Chatbot-based Positive Psychology Intervention in Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Chatbot-based Positive Psychology Intervention to Promote Well-being in Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Feasibility Study

This project aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of chatbot-based positive psychology intervention.

According to a World Health Organization report, one in 100 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is characterized by varying degrees of disability and deviation in social communication and interaction. Half of the parents of children with ASD have reported showing depression and high levels of anxiety. Lower well-being and poor quality-of-life have also been reported. Thus, there is an urgent need to find applicable interventions to reduce depressive symptoms and promote mental health in caregivers of children with ASD.

Positive psychology intervention uses positive psychological skills, such as savoring, gratitude, forgiveness, optimism, personal strength, and attainable goals, to identify meaning and value in life events and to promote positive emotions, cognitions and behaviors. Considering the convenience, low cost and popularity of chatbot, chatbot-based positive psychology intervention will be applied in this study. A pilot feasibility study will be proposed to evaluate the feasibility of chatbot-based positive psychology intervention.

The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of chatbot-based positive psychology intervention in promoting well-being in caregivers of children with ASD (Primary).

The secondary objectives are:

To test if the intervention reduces perceived stress in caregivers of children with ASD; To test if the intervention reduces depressive symptoms of caregivers of children with ASD; To test if the intervention improves quality of life in caregivers of children with ASD.

Inclusion criteria:

Primary caregivers

• (i) providing long-term care for the primary-school-age child (6-11 years old) diagnosed with ASD;
• (ii) who are over 18 years old;
• (iii) who have the ability to communicate and read in Chinese;
• (iv) who have at least one mobile phone with an internet connection.

Exclusion criteria:

Primary caregivers

• (i) who participate in a similar psychological intervention within one year;
• (ii) currently on regular psychotropic medications.