Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
AI-Enhanced Versus Clinician-Guided Expressive Writing for Improving Psychological Well-Being in Cancer Survivors: A
Xueling Yang1,2, Yongxin Huo1, Yishu Wang1
1Department of Psychology, School of Public Health (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Aims:
Digital tools offer scalable support for cancer survivors' psychological well-being, however, direct efficacy comparisons between artificial intelligence (AI)-Enhanced and clinician-guided digital interventions are scarce. This study evaluated an AI-Enhanced expressive writing intervention against clinician-guided digital support and usual care for cancer survivors.
Methods:
In this randomized controlled trial, 120 cancer survivors (111 completers) were randomized (1:1:1) to AI-Enhanced, clinician-guided, or usual care groups for a 4-week expressive writing intervention. Outcomes, including depression, anxiety, fear of progression (FoP), and resilience, were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up between September 2024 and April 2025. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVAs and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews.
Results:
Both AI and clinician-guided interventions significantly reduced depression (AI: d = 0.92; Clinician: d = 0.98) and anxiety (AI: d = 0.59; Clinician: d = 0.66) versus usual care, with comparable efficacy. However, clinician-guided support demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing FoP (d = 0.62 vs. AI). Resilience improved over time across all groups, with no significant inter-group differences. Qualitatively, AI offered reduced stigma and accessibility, while the clinician-guided approach provided valued empathetic connection.
Conclusion:
AI-Enhanced expressive writing is a viable, scalable tool for reducing depression and anxiety in cancer survivors. Yet, the greater efficacy of clinician-guided digital support for complex issues like FoP highlights the value of human-mediated empathy. This advocates for hybrid models in psychological care that integrate AI's scalability with the relational depth of clinical expertise to enhance survivor well-being.
Trial Registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400089455).
Related Concept Videos
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Cancer Survival Analysis
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...