Generative Artificial Intelligence Intervention and Individual Psychological Counseling on Emotional Distress in Young Adults

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an AI-based mental health chatbot, Emohaa, in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and academic burnout among young adults experiencing emotional distress. A total of 222 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) AI chatbot intervention, (2) traditional counseling, or (3) waitlist control. The study spans six time points from baseline through one-month follow-up. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured via validated self-report questionnaires. The intervention is delivered entirely online through a WeChat-integrated platform, ensuring high accessibility and scalability.

NCT Number	NCT06992180
Lead Sponsor	Central University of Finance and Economics, China Collaborators: Beijing Normal University, China Agricultural University, Qinghai University
Conditions	Depression, Anxiety
Enrollment	222 participants
Start Date	2025-05-20
Primary Completion	2025-08-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-09-10 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-28