Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Adolescents' Well-being While Using a Mobile Artificial Intelligence-Powered Acceptance Commitment Therapy Tool:
Dana Vertsberger1,2, Navot Naor2, Mirène Winsberg1
1Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
Background:
Adolescence is a critical developmental period to prevent and treat the emergence of mental health problems. Smartphone-based conversational agents can deliver psychologically driven intervention and support, thus increasing psychological well-being over time.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to test the potential of an automated conversational agent named Kai.ai to deliver a self-help program based on Acceptance Commitment Therapy tools for adolescents, aimed to increase their well-being.
Methods:
Participants were 10,387 adolescents, aged 14-18 years, who used Kai.ai on one of the top messaging apps (eg, iMessage and WhatsApp). Users' well-being levels were assessed between 2 and 5 times using the 5-item World Health Organization Well-being Index questionnaire over their engagement with the service.
Results:
Users engaged with the conversational agent an average of 45.39 (SD 46.77) days. The average well-being score at time point 1 was 39.28 (SD 18.17), indicating that, on average, users experienced reduced well-being. Latent growth curve modeling indicated that participants' well-being significantly increased over time (β=2.49; P<.001) and reached a clinically acceptable well-being average score (above 50).
Conclusions:
Mobile-based conversational agents have the potential to deliver engaging and effective Acceptance Commitment Therapy interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Longitudinal Research
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Emerging Adulthood

