Considering the Role of Human Empathy in AI-Driven Therapy

JMIR Mental Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11, P. e56529 - e56529

Published: April 23, 2024

Recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) language models have elevated the vision of using conversational AI support for mental health, with a growing body literature indicating varying degrees efficacy. In this paper, we ask when, therapy, it will be easier to replace humans and, conversely, what instances, human connection still more valued. We suggest that empathy lies at heart answer question. First, define different aspects and outline potential empathic capabilities versus AI. Next, consider determines when these are needed most both from perspective therapeutic methodology patient objectives. Ultimately, our goal is prompt further investigation dialogue, urging practitioners scholars engaged AI-mediated therapy keep questions considerations mind investigating implementation health.

Language: Английский

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Does the Digital Therapeutic Alliance Exist?: An Integrative Review (Preprint)

JMIR Mental Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12, P. e69294 - e69294

Published: Jan. 17, 2025

Abstract Background Mental health disorders significantly impact global populations, prompting the rise of digital mental interventions, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots, to address gaps in access care. This review explores potential for a “digital therapeutic alliance (DTA),” emphasizing empathy, engagement, and alignment with traditional principles enhance user outcomes. Objective The primary objective this was identify key concepts underlying DTA AI-driven psychotherapeutic interventions health. secondary propose an initial definition based on these identified concepts. Methods PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses) scoping reviews Tavares de Souza’s integrative methodology were followed, encompassing systematic literature searches Medline, Web Science, PsycNet, Google Scholar. Data from eligible studies extracted analyzed using Horvath et al’s conceptual framework alliance, focusing goal alignment, task agreement, bond, quality assessed Newcastle-Ottawa Scale Cochrane Risk Bias Tool. Results A total 28 pool 1294 articles after excluding duplicates ineligible studies. These informed development DTA, elements facilitators barriers affecting primarily focused AI-powered psychotherapy, other tools. Conclusions findings provide foundational concept report its replicate mechanisms trust, collaboration While shows promise enhancing accessibility engagement care, further research innovation are needed challenges personalization, ethical concerns, long-term impact.

Language: Английский

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Interactive Conversational Agents for Perinatal Health: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review

Healthcare, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13(4), P. 363 - 363

Published: Feb. 8, 2025

Background: Interactive conversational agents (chatbots) simulate human conversation using natural language processing and artificial intelligence. They enable dynamic interactions are used in various fields, including education healthcare. Objective: This systematic review aims to identify synthesize studies on chatbots for women expectant parents the preconception, pregnancy, postnatal period through 12 months postpartum. Methods: We searched six electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase, Web of Science, Inspec, IEEE Xplore) a pre-defined search strategy. included sources if they focused preconception period, pregnant their partners, mothers, fathers/coparents babies up old. Two reviewers independently screened all disagreements were resolved by third reviewer. extracted validated data from into standardized form conducted quality appraisal. Results: Twelve met inclusion criteria. Seven USA, with others Brazil, South Korea, Singapore, Japan. The reported high user satisfaction, improved health intentions behaviors, increased knowledge, better prevention risks. Chatbots also facilitated access information professionals. Conclusion: provide an overview interactive perinatal applications. Digital interventions have positive impact attitudes, use services. Interventions may be more effective than those methods such as individual or group face-to-face delivery.

Language: Английский

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Comparing perceived empathy and intervention strategies of an AI chatbot and human psychotherapists in online mental health support

Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 29, 2024

Abstract Background Given the growing potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance therapeutic interventions and work with a large number people, it is crucial understand AI's differences, advantages limitations compared human therapists. Methodology This study an AI chatbot's psychotherapists' capabilities in responding mental health enquiries online forum. One hundred fifty questions from Reddit forum, where qualified therapists provide support, were selected. Each question received two responses: one therapist generated by AI. These 300 responses coded based on empathy indices psychological intervention types. Results The results indicated that scored significantly higher perspective‐taking ( V = 12,957, p < .001, r .53) empathic concern 17,400, .60). was more likely use supportive (42.2% vs. 21.8%) slightly aim for insight‐driven change (6.41% 4.57%). In contrast, inclined advice information (47.84% 39.81%), explore dysfunctional patterns (19.95% 10.29%) ask clarifying (4.09% 0.97%). A chi‐squared test confirmed significant differences between types used (χ 2 [8, N 300] 67.80, .001). Discussion findings highlight basic perceived especially administrative tasks training. However, study's scope limited single interactions, without consideration nuanced communication available through speech, facial expressions body language.

Language: Английский

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Integrating Digital Therapeutics With Mental Healthcare Delivery

Journal of Health Service Psychology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 50(2), P. 77 - 85

Published: May 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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The Impact of AI on Family Communication: A Narrative Review on Children’s Respect for Parents in Developing Southeast Asia

Jurnal Parenting dan Anak, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 2(2), P. 15 - 15

Published: March 6, 2025

This study examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on family communication, parental roles, and children's respect for parents in Southeast Asia. Using a narrative review method, we systematically analyzed peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 2024 from databases such as Scopus, Web Science, Google Scholar. The findings indicate that AI enhances connectivity within families by facilitating real-time communication personalized parenting support. However, it also poses challenges, particularly undermining authority reducing face-to-face interactions. Socioeconomic cultural factors significantly influence adoption, with higher-income benefiting more AI-driven tools. highlights need digital literacy programs ethical policies to mitigate these challenges. Future research should explore long-term effects dynamics develop frameworks integrate traditional approaches.

Language: Английский

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The role of artificial intelligence in the prediction, identification, diagnosis and treatment of perinatal depression and anxiety among women in LMICs: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4), P. e091531 - e091531

Published: April 1, 2025

Introduction Perinatal depression and anxiety (PDA) is associated with a high risk of maternal mortality. Existing data shows that 95% mortality in low- middle-income countries (LMICs) due to resource constraints negligence addressing perinatal mental health (PMH). Research conducted more developed has demonstrated the potential artificial intelligence (AI) assist predicting, identifying, diagnosing treating PDA. However, there limited knowledge regarding utilisation AI LMICs where PDA disproportionately affects women. Therefore, this study aims investigate role among pregnant women mothers LMICs. Methods analysis This systematic review will use patient public involvement (PPI) approach systematically diagnosing, The combine secondary evidence from academic databases primary focus group discussions workshop webinar comprehensively analyse all relevant published reported on period between January 2010 May 2024. To gather necessary data, reputable interdisciplinary field be used, including ACM Digital Library, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus Web Science. extracted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, ensuring transparency comprehensiveness reporting findings. Finally, studies synthesised using integrative synthesis approach. Ethics dissemination Given PPI employed by which involves multi-stakeholders lived experience, ethical approvals have been sought University Ghana Alberta. Additionally, during process, ensure articles included uphold standards, only peer-reviewed journals/databases review. findings disseminated through workshops, webinars, conferences, publications, social media platforms available researchers. PROSPERO registration number (10/06/24) CRD42024549455.

Language: Английский

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Impact mechanism of social-related social media use on the job performance of caregivers of older adults

Geriatric Nursing, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 58, P. 191 - 199

Published: June 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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Artificial Intelligence-Powered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Chatbots, a Systematic Review

Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 29, 2024

Objective: This review identifies the characteristic features of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and their therapeutic effect; assesses efficacy in treatment depression, anxiety, other mental health disorders; establishes levels user engagement satisfaction. Method : Searches were conducted on PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar databases using a set keywords such as, not limited to, AI cognitive behavioral therapy (AI CBT), Youper, Wysa, Woebot, related terms. We included studies that empirical, peer-reviewed, between January 2017 June 2024, primarily focused regarding interventions outcomes. Data then extracted analyzed both qualitative quantitative methods concerning outcome. Results: Our identified large improvements across three symptoms health, as supported by 10 studies: five four one Youper. Woebot showed remarkable reductions depression anxiety with high engagement; Wysa demonstrated similar improvements, especially users chronic pain or maternal challenges; Youper also presented significant symptom reduction, including 48% decrease 43% anxiety. Common benefits all alliance rate satisfaction among users. have discussed studies' limitations; is, study design shortcomings lack sample diversity. Conclusion: CBT chatbots, but to are highly promising because availability effectiveness support. They provide useful complement standard when professional help is unavailable, offer constant tailored interventions. However, it necessary further investigate potential impact long-term intervention models explore how they may be integrated into holistic care systems.

Language: Английский

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An Exploratory Investigation of Chatbot Applications in Anxiety Management: A Focus on Personalized Interventions

Information, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(1), P. 11 - 11

Published: Dec. 29, 2024

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, causing significant personal and societal burdens. Traditional therapies, while effective, often face barriers such as limited accessibility, high costs, stigma associated with seeking care. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots offers a novel solution by providing accessible, cost-effective, immediate support for individuals experiencing anxiety. This comprehensive review examines evolution, efficacy, advantages, limitations, challenges, future perspectives AI in treatment anxiety disorders. A methodologically rigorous literature search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on publications from 2010 to 2024 that evaluated chatbot interventions targeting symptoms. Empirical studies demonstrate can effectively reduce symptoms delivering therapeutic like cognitive-behavioral therapy through interactive personalized dialogues. advantages include increased accessibility without geographical or temporal reduced an anonymity encourages openness reduces stigma. However, limitations persist, lack human empathy, ethical privacy concerns related data security, technical challenges understanding complex emotions. key identified involve enhancing emotional chatbots, integrating them traditional therapy, establishing robust frameworks ensure user safety protection. Future research should focus improving capabilities, personalization, cultural adaptation, engagement. In conclusion, represent promising adjunct treating disorders, offering scalable complement services. Balancing technological innovation responsibility is crucial maximize their potential benefits.

Language: Английский

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