An AI coach using acceptance and commitment therapy to help family caregivers of people with dementia
Adaptation and feasibility testing of an AI-enabled web app based on acceptance and committment therapy for family caregivers of people with dementia
An online AI helper will offer simple acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) tools to family caregivers of people living with dementia to support mental health and daily coping.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11351244 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be helping adapt and try an AI-powered web app that teaches ACT skills for dealing with caregiving stress. First, the team will work with a community advisory board of caregivers to tailor the app’s content and language. Then a small group of caregivers will use the app and complete brief surveys and interviews before and after to see if the app is easy to use and helpful. The app delivers ACT lessons and prompts through AI-driven interactions and the study combines quantitative and qualitative feedback to refine it.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adult family caregivers of people living with dementia who want online mental-health support and can access a web app.
Not a fit: Caregivers without reliable internet access, those who prefer in-person therapy, or those with severe unmanaged psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this web-based pilot.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could give caregivers affordable, on-demand tools to manage stress and stay connected to what matters to them.
How similar studies have performed: In-person ACT programs have helped caregivers and some internet-delivered ACT programs show promise, but AI-enabled ACT for dementia caregivers is relatively new and is being piloted here.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Areum — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Han, Areum
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.