AI Chatbots for Anxiety Mental Health Literacy

Evaluation of AI-Based Chatbots for Improving Anxiety-Related Mental Health Literacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine whether AI-based chatbots can improve anxiety-related mental health literacy in adults with varying levels of anxiety. The study aims to learn whether interactive AI chatbots can improve understanding of anxiety, attitudes toward anxiety, help-seeking intentions, confidence in supporting others, and anxiety symptoms, compared with standard text-based educational materials.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Does an AI-based psychoeducation chatbot improve anxiety-related mental health literacy compared with text-based psychoeducation?
2. Does adding interactive anxiety simulation conversations further improve mental health literacy and related outcomes compared with psychoeducation alone?

Researchers will compare participants who use an AI psychoeducation chatbot alone, participants who use an AI psychoeducation chatbot combined with anxiety simulation chatbots, and participants who receive text-based psychoeducation, to see whether the AI-based interventions lead to greater improvements in mental health literacy and related outcomes.

Participants will:

1. Complete baseline questionnaires assessing anxiety-related knowledge, attitudes, and symptoms
2. Be randomly assigned to one of three groups: AI psychoeducation chatbot, AI psychoeducation chatbot plus anxiety simulation chatbots, or text-based psychoeducation
3. Use the assigned intervention over a one-week period
4. Complete follow-up questionnaires immediately after the intervention and at later follow-up time points

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged between 18 and 65 years.
2. Able to use digital devices (e.g., smartphone or computer) to complete AI-based conversations and questionnaires.
3. Willing to participate in a one-week online intervention.
4. Proficient in Chinese and able to understand study instructions and provide informed consent.
5. Participants with varying levels of anxiety symptoms are eligible.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Self-reported history of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder).
2. Currently receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment.
3. Severe mental health symptoms requiring immediate clinical intervention.
4. Inability to use mobile or internet-enabled devices independently.