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AI-Based CBT Chatbot for Adolescent Social Anxiety
Sponsor: Central China Normal University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a CBT-based AI chatbot works to reduce social anxiety in teenagers. It will also look at how the chatbot works, including changes in thinking patterns, emotion management, and safety behaviors. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the AI-CBT chatbot lower social anxiety symptoms in teenagers? Do changes in cognitive biases, emotion regulation, and safety behaviors explain why the chatbot works? Researchers will compare the AI-CBT group to a waitlist group to see if the chatbot works to reduce social anxiety. Participants will: Use the AI-CBT chatbot to complete one module every 3 days, for a total of 6 modules. Complete questionnaires before the intervention, after the intervention, and 1 month after the intervention. Be on a waitlist and receive no intervention during the study period, then be offered the chatbot after the study ends.
Official title: The Effect of AI Chatbots Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Adolescent Social Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
10 Years - 19 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
120
Start Date
2026-10-20
Completion Date
2026-12-30
Last Updated
2026-10-29
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
AI-CBT intervention group
The intervention is a generative AI chatbot delivering a guided self-help program integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants complete one module every 3 days over approximately 18 days, for a total of 6 modules covering psychoeducation, cognitive techniques, exposure, social skills training, mindfulness and acceptance, and values-based action. Each module includes interactive exercises and chatbot-guided reflection adapted to the participant's responses, followed by a between-session homework assignment to be completed before the next module. Participants interact via text on a smartphone or computer, with no human therapist involved during the intervention period. The research team monitors for safety flags and contacts participants if distress is detected.