Chatbot that uses Motivational Interviewing to help with belief updates in anhedonia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized study compares a motivational interviewing–based AI chatbot with an active-control chatbot over one week in college students who show elevated anhedonia and depressive symptoms. Participants complete pre- and post-intervention behavioral belief updating tasks to measure changes in how they revise expectations. The trial analyzes whether the AI chatbot can shift belief updating patterns that may relate to motivation and engagement in rewarding activities. Eligible individuals are 18–40 years old, right-handed, with Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale scores ≥22 and Beck Depression Inventory scores ≥14. Recruitment is conducted at a single center in Chengdu, China, led by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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

• 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

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.