Note: This study has been reviewed by an independent research ethics committee and approved.
About this Study
This research investigates how people use generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) to support their mental wellbeing and their views about therapy, counselling or other professional mental health support.
Why is this study important?
Gen AI tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly being used for personal wellbeing support, but there is still a lot we do not know about how people experience and use them. This study explores people's experiences and opinions of using GenAI for personal wellbeing reasons such as understanding their interpersonal communication, their mental and physical health, their relationships, etc. Since GenAI is an emerging technology, these topics are currently grossly under-researched, even more so in non-WEIRD cultural contexts (i.e. non-Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic countries). Your participation will help fill this scholarly gap.
Please participate if:
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You are between 18 and 34 years old.
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You have previously used ChatGPT or another AI chatbot for a mental health or emotional wellbeing-related reason.
Note: Please do not participate if you are currently experiencing a severe mental health crisis. This is because the study is not designed to provide clinical assessment, treatment, or crisis support.
Who is conducting the study?
This study is being undertaken by Saloni Lad a research trainee at the Department of Psychology at Nolmë Labs.
Nolmë Labs is an academic research and science communication organization with a special focus on mental health advocacy.
Please read the FAQs given below attentively before consenting to participate in the study.
Are you interested in working with us? We accept applications on a rolling basis. Only trained alumni who have previously completed Nolme Labs Academic Research & Publishing Training Programme are eligible to apply for research assistantship roles. Apply at this link
FAQs
Please ensure you read all the frequently asked questions and research study details before consenting to participate in this study
Q: Are there any risks associated with participating in the study?
There are no anticipated risks to participating in this study. We have taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and privacy.
However, some basic considerations you might anticipate -
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During the interview stage of the study, a few questions may ask about your mental health and help-seeking experiences. This may feel personal or uncomfortable for some people.
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You can skip any question, take a break, or stop at any time.
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While the study does not provide diagnosis, counselling, or treatment, support resources will be shared with all participants.
Q: How can I protect my identity while registering for the study?
Your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us. Your demographic and experiment data will be collected only for research purposes.
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You can use an alias instead of your real name.
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Your name will not appear in the research paper or any publication. Any identifying details mentioned in interviews will be removed, or encrypted, as necessary.
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Contact details, if collected, will only be used to schedule interviews, complete the consent process and to provide the certificate of participation. We request you use the same email that you used to registered with for the study, throughout the duration of the study.
Q: What are the benefits of participating in the study?
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Interviewees who complete the study will be given a certificate of participation.
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We will be providing free mental health resources to all those who participate in the study.
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Your answers will help us understand how people use AI to maintain personal wellbeing and will result in an research article that contributes to the academic literature.
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Secondary benefits include contributing to the research on emotion perception, using primarily a non-WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, Democratic) sample, specifically the Indian population. Conducting such studies helps decolonise psychology and extend research that is contextually relevant to the South Asian population
Q: Where is the study taking place?
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The questionnaire will be completed online.
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Interviews will take place online through Google Meet. The link will be shared via email and Whatsapp.
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Please join the interview from a quiet and private place.
Q: How long will the study take?
Completing some preliminary demographic questionnaire will take between 10-15 mins.
The actual interview will take between 1 hour to 2 hours, depending on the answers provided
Q: I have changed my mind about participating in the study, can I withdraw?
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Yes. Taking part is completely voluntary. You can stop the questionnaire or interview at any time.
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You do not need to give a reason. Simply inform the researcher of your intent to withdraw.
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There is no penalty for withdrawing.
Q: Can I contact the research team if I have additional questions?
The research team will be accessible to all participants in case of queries. Do you have queries, comments, or feedback? Email us at salonilad.research@gmail.com with the subject line "Regarding AI Mental Health Study" . We are more than happy to address any queries you may have.