Promoting Emotional and Psychological Well-being in Students through a Self-Help ChatGPT Intervention: Artificial Intelligence Powered Support

Abstract

The current study investigates the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered interventions, in particular ChatGPT, for promoting emotional and psychological well-being among university students. While mental health issues continue to rise among university students, innovative approaches to accessible and scalable support are much needed. We employed a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A self-help ChatGPT intervention was administered to university students, with effectiveness measured through a structured questionnaire and open-ended questions capturing user experience, emotional impact, and suggestions for improvement. . The results showed that the participants generally felt comfortable using the tool, and the outcomes regarding emotional support were positive, with high ratings for ease of communication, empathy, and practical advice provided. Students found the intervention effective in managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. However, some limitations were noted, especially regarding complex emotional issues. Cronbach's alpha for the questionnaire was high, showing internal consistency and reliable results. The majority of the students expressed satisfaction with the tool but at the same time recommended enhancements for further personalization to handle more subtle emotional responses. Overall, this study suggests that AI-powered support tools like ChatGPT can play an important role in enhancing the emotional well-being of students and offer a promising complement to traditional mental health resources. The potential for such interventions to achieve broader use requires further study and refinement.