Digital Conversational Agents for youth with multiple mental health conditions: a qualitative descriptive study of youth perspectives on the acceptability, potential benefits, and challenges

Abstract

Objective This qualitative descriptive study aimed to understand the perspectives of youth with multiple mental health conditions on the acceptability, benefits and challenges of digital conversational agents (i.e. ‘Conversational Agents’) for use in mental health care.Methods A total of 28 youth participated in one of six focus groups. Focus groups followed a semi-structured interview guide. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using codebook thematic analysis. Polling questions were added to understand proportions of participants on discrete questions. Youth engagement was conducted throughout.Results Three themes were generated from the data: (1) Participants expressed a general initial willingness to use Conversational Agents for youth mental health support, with caution; (2) Participants recognised a wide range of practical benefits; and (3) The acceptability of was mitigated by significant risks and concerns.Discussion Conversational Agents hold potential as acceptable supportive tools for youth with multiple mental health conditions. However, caution should be exercised in developing tools that meet the needs of young people in terms of mental health support and ethical requirements..

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