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GPT-Powered Chatbot-Based Positive Psychology Intervention for Well-Being Among Parents of Children With Autism
Wen Zhang1, Rachel Yim Fong Leung1, Ka Ki Mak1
1School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong).
A GPT-powered chatbot, Allie, showed feasibility and acceptability for delivering positive psychology interventions to parents of autistic children, improving well-being. Further research is needed to establish long-term efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Digital mental health interventions
- Artificial intelligence in healthcare
- Parental well-being in autism
Background:
- Parents of autistic children often face significant stress and reduced well-being.
- Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) can enhance resilience.
- Chatbots offer a scalable platform for delivering PPIs, but evidence for AI-guided chatbots is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a GPT-powered chatbot (Allie) delivering culturally adapted PPIs to parents of autistic children.
- To explore preliminary effects on well-being, depression, stress, and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A 2-week single-arm mixed-methods pilot study with 19 parents of autistic children.
- Participants completed 8 structured PPI exercises via the Allie chatbot.
- Feasibility, acceptability, and changes in well-being, depression, and stress were assessed.
Main Results:
- High feasibility (89.5% completion) and acceptability were reported.
- Significant improvement in well-being (WHO-5 scores) was observed (P=.02).
- No significant changes in depression, stress, or quality of life scores were found; qualitative feedback highlighted benefits and areas for improvement.
Conclusions:
- A PPI-based GPT-powered chatbot (Allie) is feasible and acceptable for parents of autistic children, showing preliminary improvements in well-being.
- Insights for future design include personalization, natural conversation, multimodal content, and autism-specific resources.
- Larger, controlled trials are necessary to confirm efficacy and durability.
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