Testing the Effectiveness of AI Chatbots to Improve Public Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Depression

Summary

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to find out whether using AI Chatbots can help the public better understand depression, reduce negative attitudes towards it, and encourage more people to seek help when needed. The study will also explore whether the Chatbot can help individuals feel more confident in supporting others who might be experiencing depression.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either:

1. AI-PsyTeacher Group: Participants interact with the AI psychology teacher "Liran" to complete three progressive tasks (identifying depression symptoms, learning coping strategies, and understanding prevention). This group assesses the independent role of AI in mental health education.
2. AI-Integrated Intervention Group: Participants first learn with the AI psychology teacher "Liran" and then interact with the AI-simulated depressed patient "Beibei" to complete three tasks (identifying issues, teaching coping strategies, and creating a prevention plan). This group examines the combined effect of AI teaching and patient simulation.
3. Traditional Psychoeducation Group (Control): Participants gain depression-related knowledge by reading traditional educational materials and watching a first-person experience video. This group serves as the control to compare AI interventions.

Primary outcomes include changes in depression literacy, attitudes toward depression, help-seeking intentions, and confidence in helping others. The study aims to determine whether AI-driven interactive learning can improve public understanding and support for mental health.

Conditions

• Depression Literacy
• Depression Disorders
• Stigma of Mental Illness

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

AI Depression Literacy and Support Training

The intervention consists of two AI-based chatbots designed to enhance depression literacy, reduce stigma, and improve confidence in supporting others with depression. AI Depression Education Teacher - This chatbot provides interactive psychoeducation on depression, covering symptoms, causes, treatments, and ways to support others. Participants engage in a structured conversation to enhance their understanding and receive real-time feedback. AI Depression Patient Simulation ("Beibei") - Participants interact with a simulated individual experiencing depression to practice empathetic communication and support strategies. Through guided conversations, they learn to recognize depressive symptoms, offer emotional support, and encourage help-seeking. This two-phase intervention provides both knowledge and practical experience in a safe, interactive environment. Participants will engage with both chatbots sequentially within a one-hour session.

BEHAVIORAL

AI Depression Literacy Education

This intervention consists of interaction with an AI chatbot, i.e., AI Depression Education Teacher, which provides interactive psychoeducation on depression, covering symptoms, causes, treatments, and ways to support others.

BEHAVIORAL

Psychoeducation Material Group

The intervention contains standard psychoeducation materials about depression. Participants will be directed to: A depression-related article - Provides general information about depression, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. A video describing the lived experience of a depression patient - Shares a personal story to help participants understand the real-life impact of depression.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Peking University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-02-10

Primary Completion

2025-03-30

Completion

2025-03-30

Countries

• China

Study Locations