Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
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Exploring Body Image Awareness With a Large Language Model-Based Conversational Agent: Qualitative Study With Young
Xuan Zhang1, Ahmed Zayed2, Josefin Rehn Hamrin1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Huddinge, Sweden.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|November 17, 2025
Summary
A conversational artificial intelligence (AI) agent helped young adults improve body image awareness through self-reflection and self-compassion. While perceived as accessible support, challenges remain in maintaining long-term user engagement with the AI intervention.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Psychology
- Artificial Intelligence
Background:
- Body image is vital for young adults' mental and physical health.
- Young adults are susceptible to body dissatisfaction, negatively impacting well-being.
- Few digital interventions exist to promote positive body image in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a conversational AI agent for open-domain body image discussions.
- To explore young adults' strategies for maintaining positive body image.
- To assess the advantages and drawbacks of AI-assisted body image conversations.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 15 young adults (aged 20-30) using an AI agent for one week.
- Data collected via pre- and post-interviews and 933 text-based AI conversations.
- Thematic analysis of interviews and content analysis of AI conversations.
Main Results:
- Body image awareness linked to self-acceptance, confidence, and valuing body function.
- AI conversations covered awareness, eating regulation, mindfulness, and social interaction.
- Perceived benefits included enhanced self-reflection and accessible support; drawbacks involved engagement discontinuities.
Conclusions:
- Young adults' body image awareness correlates with self-acceptance and appreciation.
- The AI agent offered nonjudgmental, accessible support for self-reflection and self-compassion.
- Sustaining user engagement requires further personalization of AI interventions.
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