Guest Editors
Dr. Yao-Chung Cheng
Email: yaochung@cc.ncue.edu.tw
Affiliation: National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, 50007, Taiwan
Homepage:
Research Interests: Education Technology, Positive Psychology, Generative AI
Professor Peter Yang
Email: p.yang71@yahoo.com
Affiliation: Department of Counseling, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, 62103, Taiwan
Homepage:
Research Interests: AI-assisted Counseling, Career & Mental Well-being, Help-Seeking & Cultural Factors
Assistant professor Shu-Hua Lin
Email: maplelin@cc.ncue.edu.tw
Affiliation: Department of Guidance and Counseling, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, 50007, Taiwan
Homepage:
Research Interests: well-being, guidance and counseling, adolescent
Summary
Special Issue Introduction: Aims, Background, and Significance
The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language model–based chatbots such as ChatGPT, has opened new possibilities for mental health support and psychological well-being. These conversational agents are increasingly used for emotion regulation, stress management, cognitive reframing, psychoeducation, and early identification of mental health concerns. As individuals interact with AI systems in more personal and emotionally charged contexts, understanding their psychological impact has become an urgent interdisciplinary priority.
Despite the accelerated adoption of generative AI for mental health–related purposes, research evidence remains fragmented across psychology, education, computer science, human–computer interaction, and public health. Key questions concerning effectiveness, mechanisms of support, user trust, cultural variability, ethical boundaries, governance structures, and potential harms are still underexamined. This Special Issue aims to consolidate emerging findings, highlight methodological and theoretical innovations, and promote responsible, evidence-based integration of AI chatbots in mental health promotion and well-being enhancement. By bringing together diverse perspectives, this Special Issue seeks to advance knowledge and offer guidance for safe and meaningful AI-assisted mental health practices.
Proposed Focuses and Themes
(1) Effectiveness of Chatbot-Assisted Mental Health Interventions
· Evaluations of chatbot-supported stress reduction, emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring, or behavioral activation
· Outcomes related to psychological well-being, resilience, or symptom reduction
· Comparative analyses between AI-assisted and traditional intervention methods
(2) User Experience, Trust, and Perceived Empathy
· Mechanisms shaping user engagement and continued use
· Trust formation, emotional bonding, or perceived empathy with AI conversational agents
· Help-seeking behaviors and user expectations in AI–human interactions
(3) Ethical, Governance, and Safety Considerations
· Risk assessment models, harm prevention, and digital safeguards
· Privacy, transparency, bias mitigation, and responsible AI frameworks
· Ethical dilemmas in clinical, educational, or community-based AI applications
(4) Applications in Education, Clinical Practice, and Community Settings
· Use of AI chatbots in schools, universities, counseling centers, or workplace wellness programs
· Support for vulnerable populations, including adolescents, marginalized groups, or individuals with limited access to care
· Training implications for mental health professionals and educators
(5) Theoretical and Methodological Innovations in Studying AI–Human Interaction
· New frameworks explaining AI-driven psychological processes
· Advances in computational, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches
· Multidisciplinary models integrating psychology, computer science, and human-centered design
3. Preliminary Topics
To guide potential contributors, this Special Issue may include (but is not limited to) manuscripts addressing:
· AI-supported stress and emotion regulation
· Cognitive restructuring and self-reflection using chatbots
· Mechanisms of user trust, engagement, and perceived empathy
· Adolescent mental health, safety risks, and protective digital safeguards
· Cross-cultural patterns in chatbot use for well-being and counseling
· Ethical oversight and governance models for mental health AI systems
· Design principles for safe, transparent, and culturally responsive mental health chatbots
· Applications of generative AI in educational, clinical, and workplace mental health initiatives
Keywords
Generative AI Chatbots, Mental Health Support, Emotion Regulation & Stress Management, User Experience, Trust, and Empathy, Ethical and Safety Considerations, AI–Human Interaction Mechanisms, Cross-Cultural Use of Chatbots, Design Principles for Mental Health AI
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