Conversational AI in Pediatric Mental Health: A Narrative Review

Children, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12(3), P. 359 - 359

Published: March 14, 2025

Background/Objectives: Mental health disorders among children and adolescents represent a significant global challenge, with approximately 50% of conditions emerging before age 14. Despite substantial investment in services, persistent barriers such as provider shortages, stigma, accessibility issues continue to limit effective care delivery. This narrative review examines the application conversational artificial intelligence (AI) pediatric mental contexts, mapping current evidence base, identifying therapeutic mechanisms, exploring unique developmental considerations required for implementation. Methods: We searched multiple electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Scopus) literature published between January 2010 February 2025 that addressed AI applications relevant health. employed synthesis approach thematic analysis organize findings across technological approaches, applications, considerations, implementation ethical frameworks. Results: The identified promising health, particularly common like anxiety depression, psychoeducation, skills practice, bridging traditional care. However, most robust empirical research has focused on adult populations, only beginning receive dedicated investigation. Key mechanisms include reduced self-disclosure, cognitive change, emotional validation, behavioral activation. Developmental emerged fundamental challenges, necessitating age-appropriate adaptations cognitive, emotional, linguistic, dimensions rather than simple modifications adult-oriented systems. Conclusions: Conversational potential address unmet needs complement to, replacement for, human-delivered Future should prioritize longitudinal outcomes, science, safety monitoring, equity-focused design. Interdisciplinary collaboration involving families is essential ensure these technologies effectively young people while mitigating risks.

Language: Английский

Time spent alone and loneliness in Mexican‐origin youth: The role of social relationships and personality

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 1, 2025

Loneliness is a pressing public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This preregistered study examined changes in time spent alone from 7th to 12th grade, as well relationship personality predictors of adolescence loneliness early adulthood, using data longitudinal 674 Mexican-origin youth the United States, rapidly growing yet understudied demographic. Time showed linear increases with greater high school for who proportion at start (9th grade). Greater 9th grade was significantly predicted by gender, lower peer quality, parent-child support, parental warmth, higher conflict, hostility, neuroticism. However, there were no significant change throughout course (from Lastly, adulthood spending alone, neuroticism, extraversion grade. Thus, may be crucial indicator later loneliness.

Language: Английский