Effectiveness of A Mindfulness-centered Stress Management AI Chatbot to Reduce Stress and Enhance Mental Health Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Stress (Psychology)

In brief

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-centered stress management AI chatbot in reducing perceived stress and enhancing mental health among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the AI chatbot show a greater reduction in perceived stress compared to standardized psychoeducational materials? 2. Does the AI chatbot improve mental health outcomes, including depressive and anxiety symptoms, subjective well-being, and emotion regulation? Researchers will compare the AI chatbot to a control group receiving psychoeducational materials to see if the chatbot works to reduce stress and improve mental health. Participants will: 1. Be randomized to use the AI chatbot (recommended at least 2 sessions per week, 10-15 minutes per session) or read psychoeducational materials (2 times per week) for 4 weeks. 2. Complete online self-report questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention (Week 4), and 4-week follow-up.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07732621

Run by

The University of Hong Kong

People needed

76

Starts

2026-07-31

Expected to finish

2027-03-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-29

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: male. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age ≥ 18 years.
• Chinese
• Self-identify as MSM.
• Own a smartphone to ensure compatibility with the intervention platform.
• Mild to moderate perceived stress, defined as Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) score < 43.

You may not qualify if…

• Diagnosed with an acute severe mental disorder, such as psychosis, major depressive disorder, or anxiety disorder;
• Currently receiving psychotherapy at enrollment.
• Report moderately severe to severe depressive symptoms, defined as a PHQ-9 total score greater than 14.
• Unable to provide online informed consent or complete study procedures.

Where it is running

• The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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