User Preferences on AI Psychotherapy Based on Moderating Effects of Individual Personality Traits: Employing a Clustering Analysis

Abstract

The recent appearance of AI psychological counseling services is expected to lower physical, economic, and psychological burdens for individuals seeking psychological counseling and increase participation in the service. AI psychological counseling research is still in its infancy, and therefore it is important to consider client preference to achieve positive effects. However, no research has been conducted to investigate client preferences regarding AI therapists. Therefore, this study explores the characteristics of AI counselors preferred by clients (e.g., rapport, trust, expertise, and attraction), as well as which AI agent therapist characteristics have positive effects on the attitudes of clients (users). This study confirms the characteristics that affect client intention to use AI counseling. Groups were divided using the K-means clustering technique based on the individual’s degree of introversion/extroversion and depression because characteristics desired in AI counselors may differ depending on individual client inclinations and examined differences between groups. The results of this study will help enhance and supplement the capabilities of developers and actual counselors through client-tailored counseling.

Keywords:

• AI psychotherapy
• client-centered therapy
• chatbots
• conversational AI
• human-machine communication

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 https://woebot.io/.

2 https://www.wysa.io/.

3 https://psious.com/.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jieon Lee

Jieon Lee holds a Ph.D. in the Department of Interaction Science at Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea. Her research focuses on exploring the integration of new technologies to maximize their benefits in mental health.

Jong Soo You

Jong Soo You holds an M.S. degree from the Department of Interaction Science at Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea. His primary research interests revolve around individual tendencies and intentions concerning the use of media and IT devices.

Daeho Lee

Daeho Lee is currently an associate professor in the Department of Interaction Science at Sungkyunkwan University. His research interests include the adoption of new ICT products & services and user behavior in online.