AI chatbot using Motivational Interviewing to help with social motivation in young adults
Official title: Effects of a Chatbot-Based Intervention on Behavioral Responsiveness and Neural Anticipation of Social and Monetary Incentives in Individuals With Anhedonia
Run by University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT07665242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing whether a motivational interviewing–based AI chatbot can change how college students with higher anhedonia and depressive symptoms respond to social rewards, compared with a similar active chatbot, over one week.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07665242 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Eligible participants are 18–40 years old, right-handed, with Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale ≥22 and Beck Depression Inventory ≥14, and no major neurological or psychiatric exclusions.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without elevated anhedonia or depressive symptoms, or those with contraindications to MRI or the listed exclusions, may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study uses a randomized, active-control design to compare a Motivational Interviewing–based AI chatbot against a control chatbot in college students with elevated anhedonia and depressive symptoms. Participants complete pre- and post-intervention assessments, including the Social Incentive Delay Task during fMRI, to measure social reward processing. The intervention lasts one week, and outcomes focus on changes in neural and behavioral responses to social incentives. Eligible individuals are 18–40, right-handed, with elevated anhedonia and depressive symptoms, and without major neurological or psychiatric exclusions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the chatbot could help improve motivation and social reward processing in users with anhedonia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests AI-based interventions can affect motivation and reward-related processing, but this exact chatbot approach with social incentives is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-40 years * Right-handed * Normal or corrected normal visual acuity * Participants must show elevated anhedonia and depressive symptoms at screening, defined as a total score of 22 or higher on the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale and a score of 14 or higher on the Beck Depression Inventory Exclusion Criteria: * History of major central nervous system disorders, such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors. * History of severe mental illness, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic disorders. * History of substance or alcohol use disorder or substance or alcohol misuse within the past 12 months that may affect study participation or outcome assessment. * Individuals currently at high risk of suicide, severe self-harm, or experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis. * Individuals who are currently using psychiatric medications or have undergone psychotherapy within the past 4 weeks that may significantly affect mood, motivation, or reward processing. * Severe vision or hearing impairments that cannot be corrected and would interfere with task performance. * Contraindications to MRI scanning, including metallic implants, pacemakers, severe claustrophobia, or other conditions incompatible with MRI. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Where it's running
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University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Chengdu, Sichuan, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Benjamin Becker, Dr
- Email: bbecker@hku.hk
- Phone: (852) 3917-5097
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.