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Using an Artificial Intelligence Based Chatbot to Provide Parent Training: Results from a Feasibility Study

Author

Listed:
  • Guido A. Entenberg

    (Fundación ETCI, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina)

  • Malenka Areas

    (Department of Psychology, Universidad de Belgrano, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
    National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
    Department of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1207, Argentina)

  • Andrés J. Roussos

    (Department of Psychology, Universidad de Belgrano, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
    National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
    Department of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1207, Argentina)

  • Ana Laura Maglio

    (Fundación ETCI, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
    Department of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1207, Argentina)

  • Jillian Thrall

    (The Children and Adolescent Psychotherapy (CAPT) Research Lab, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA)

  • Milagros Escoredo

    (Independent Researcher, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA)

  • Eduardo L. Bunge

    (Fundación ETCI, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
    The Children and Adolescent Psychotherapy (CAPT) Research Lab, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA)

Abstract

Online parenting training programs have shown to be effective. However, no studies on parent training programs delivered through chatbots have been reported yet. Aim. This study aims to assess the feasibility of delivering parenting skills through a chatbot. Methods. A sample of 33 parents completed a pilot feasibility study. Engagement, knowledge, net-promoters score and qualitative responses were analyzed. Results. A total of 78.8% of the sample completed the intervention. On average, participants remembered 3.7 skills out of the 5 presented and reported that they would recommend the chatbot to other parents (net promoter score was 7.44; SD = 2.31 out of 10). Overall, parents sent a mean of 54.24 (SD = 13.5) messages to the chatbot, and the mean number of words per message was 3. Main themes parents discussed with the chatbot included issues regarding their child’s habits, handling disruptive behaviors, interpersonal development, and emotional difficulties. Parents generally commented on the usefulness of the intervention and suggested improvements to the chatbot’s communication style. Conclusions. Overall, users completed the intervention, engaged with the bot, and would recommend the intervention to others. This suggests parenting skills could be delivered via chatbots.

Suggested Citation

  • Guido A. Entenberg & Malenka Areas & Andrés J. Roussos & Ana Laura Maglio & Jillian Thrall & Milagros Escoredo & Eduardo L. Bunge, 2021. "Using an Artificial Intelligence Based Chatbot to Provide Parent Training: Results from a Feasibility Study," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-9, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:10:y:2021:i:11:p:426-:d:672615
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julia Rogers & Tracy Gladstone & Benjamin Van Voorhees & Eduardo L. Bunge, 2021. "The Role of Human Support on Engagement in an Online Depression Prevention Program for Youth," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-15, July.
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