Chatbot-based Positive Psychology Intervention in Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

NCT06438120 | Active Not Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: RD/2023/1.20
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This project aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of chatbot-based positive psychology intervention.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• The score of feasibility

  Feasibility will be assessed by 2 items modified from the Feasibility of Intervention Measure, and the semi-structured interview will be conducted immediately after the intervention (9-week follow-up). Barriers and facilitators to participant adherence and retention will be discussed to collect feedback. These 2 items will ask participants to evaluate that the Chatbot is implementable and easy to use via a 5-point Likert scale from completely disagree (1) to completely agree (5). The score range is 2 to 10 and higher scores indicate greater feasibility.

  After the intervention immediately

• Qualitative results of feasibility

  The focus group will be conducted to learn about the barriers and facilitators to participant adherence, and retention will be discussed to collect feedback. The perspectives on potential feasibility, acceptability, facilitators, barriers, priority domains, and suggestions for the Chatbot will be discussed.

  After the intervention immediately

• The score of well-being

  Well-being will be measured by the World Health Organization-5 Well-being Index to evaluate vitality (being active and waking up fresh and rested), being interested in things, and having a pleasant attitude. Each item is scored using a 6-point Likert scale from at no time (0) to all of the time (5). The total score ranges from 0 to 25, with higher scores suggesting better self-perceived well-being.

  Baseline and after the intervention immediately

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Perceived Stress

  Baseline and after the intervention immediately

• Depressive symptoms

  Baseline and after the intervention immediately

• The score of Quality of life

  Baseline and after the intervention immediately

Study Arms (1)

Chatbot group

EXPERIMENTAL

In this group, participants will receive chatbot-based positive psychology intervention.

Behavioral: Chatbot-based positive psychology intervention

Interventions

Chatbot-based positive psychology intervention BEHAVIORAL

Eight positive psychology exercises will be delivered, including positive introduction, personal strengths, using strengths, three good things, gratitude, hope and optimism, active/constructive responding, and savoring.

Chatbot group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Primary caregivers
• (i) providing long-term care for the primary-school-age child (6-11 years old) diagnosed with ASD;
• (ii) who are over 18 years old;
• (iii) who have the ability to communicate and read in Chinese;
• (iv) who have at least one mobile phone with an internet connection.

You may not qualify if:

• Primary caregivers
• (i) who participate in a similar psychological intervention within one year;
• (ii) currently on regular psychotropic medications.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hong Kong Metropolitan University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: Participants will receive chatbot-based positive psychology exercises including positive introduction, personal strengths, using strengths, three good things, gratitude letter/visit, hope and optimism, active/constructive responding, and savoring.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 27, 2024
• First Posted: May 31, 2024
• Study Start: November 4, 2024
• Primary Completion: July 31, 2025
• Study Completion: July 31, 2025
• Last Updated: June 24, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Locations

HK (1)