Effect of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based AI Chatbot on Depression and Loneliness in Chinese University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial With Financial Stress Moderation.

Journal: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Published Date: Aug 29, 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mental health concerns are prevalent among university students, with financial stress further compounding these issues. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for these conditions, its delivery through artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots represents a promising approach, especially in non-Western contexts.

Authors

  • Yahui Wang
    Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
  • Xuhong Li
    School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China. fmliu@buaa.edu.cn.
  • Qiaochu Zhang
    Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
  • Dannii Yeung
    Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
  • Yihan Wu
    Center for Magnetic Resonance Research(CMRR), Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

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