A groundbreaking study published in the open-access journal PLOS Mental Health has spotlighted the potential of large language model (LLM) chatbots in therapeutic settings. Conducted by Dr. Laura Vowels and a team of researchers from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and the University of Roehampton in the United Kingdom, the study explores the effectiveness of a single-session chatbot therapy delivered by a chatbot named “Amanda.” This therapy is compared to traditional evidence-based journaling as a means of assisting individuals with relationship conflict resolution.
The research represents one of the preliminary forays into understanding how AI technology might aid in mental health practices, particularly in the realm of relationship support. The traditional methods of talking therapies often require a significant time investment, both in terms of the therapeutic process and the scheduling of appointments. In contrast, LLMs offer the potential for immediate, scalable interventions that can be accessed at any time, thus addressing common barriers faced in accessing mental health services.
To assess the effectiveness of the chatbot therapy, Vowels and colleagues designed a randomized controlled trial including 258 participants who were all above the age of 18 and currently in romantic relationships marked by non-abusive conflict. Participants who were struggling with relationship issues were chosen to ensure that the study focused on individuals actively seeking resolution in a healthy manner. Notably, the selection of participants was stringent; those expressing thoughts of self-harm or experiencing abusive circumstances were excluded, ensuring the study’s focus remained solely on non-critical relationship conflicts.
Participant engagement was pivotal to the study’s outcomes. Of the initial 258, 130 participants interacted with the chatbot Amanda, a program designed to function as an empathetic relationship therapist, and these individuals engaged in meaningful conversations that consisted of at least 20 exchanges with the AI. This interaction level aimed to create a dialogue that closely resembled a traditional therapy session. In contrast, 128 participants received an evidence-based journaling task, where they were instructed to reappraise their conflict from the vantage point of a neutral third party wishing for the best outcome for all involved.
The researchers measured the participants’ perceptions of their specific relationship issues, the general state of their relationship, and their overall well-being at three key time points during the study: immediately before the intervention, right after its completion, and during a follow-up session two weeks later. This timeline not only allowed an assessment of immediate effects but also a glimpse into the sustainability of these effects over a short period. Of the participants who engaged with Amanda, 122 returned for the follow-up session, while 118 of the journaling participants also did so.
The findings were compelling: both interventions resulted in significant improvements in how participants rated their specific relationship problems, their overall relationship quality, and their personal well-being. Remarkably, the data indicated no significant differences in the outcomes between those receiving chatbot therapy and those undergoing journaling tasks. This suggests that Amanda could be comparable in effectiveness to established therapeutic techniques, at least in the context of a single session.
Despite these promising results, the researchers remain cautious. They caution that the single-session nature of their study limits conclusions about long-term efficacy and the ability of Amanda to cultivate a therapeutic alliance over time. Such alliances, often developed between human therapists and clients, could be crucial for ongoing support and progress in managing relationship issues. Moreover, the study noted a limitation regarding participant attrition; those who dropped out of the follow-up might have not found either intervention helpful, thus potentially skewing the perceived effectiveness of both.
Looking ahead, Dr. Vowels and her team recommend that future investigations delve deeper into the potential of LLM chatbots like Amanda for multi-session therapeutic engagements. They express hope for the exploration of these tools within clinical populations that might benefit from advanced risk detection capabilities to better identify those at risk who may benefit from specialized interventions.
Dr. Vowels highlighted the study’s significance, noting that a single session with Amanda could substantially improve relationship satisfaction, communication, and individual well-being. She asserted that such findings indicate that LLM chatbots hold the promise of providing accessible, evidence-based relationship support on a significant scale. In an age when mental health issues are increasingly recognized and discussed, the implications of this research could be profound, potentially reshaping how we view therapeutic interventions in an age defined by technology.
One of the particularly interesting aspects of the outcomes was the high ratings participants gave to Amanda in terms of empathy, usability, and therapeutic alliance. These attributes are typically associated with human therapists, yet participants indicated a willingness to engage with AI in sensitive contexts and reported that they found value in the interactions. This facet of the research raises essential questions about the evolving relationship between technology and mental health, as well as how society perceives AI as an adjunct to traditional therapeutic methods.
The study presents a significant milestone in the interplay between technology and mental health, proposing that the evolution of language models may herald a new era in relationship support. The ability for individuals to access support anytime and anywhere could revolutionize how therapy is administered, particularly in contexts where traditional psychological help is difficult to reach. It opens the door to further exploration of how we leverage AI’s capabilities safely and effectively to enhance mental well-being.
In conclusion, the implications of this research are pertinent not only for psychologists and mental health professionals but also for anyone engaged in relationship support, either personally or professionally. The advent of AI in therapy is not mere speculation anymore; it’s beginning to take form in research that demonstrates that these interactions can lead to meaningful change in individuals’ lives, prompting a newfound discussion about the relevance and role of technology in mental health support for the future.
Subject of Research: Relationship support using AI chatbots
Article Title: The efficacy, feasibility, and technical outcomes of a GPT-4o-based chatbot Amanda for relationship support: A randomized controlled trial
News Publication Date: 24-Sep-2025
Web References: PLOS Mental Health
References: Vowels LM, Vowels MJ, Sweeney SK, Hatch SG, Darwiche J (2025)
Image Credits: N/A
Keywords
LLM chatbots, relationship support, therapy, randomized controlled trial, mental health, AI, emotional well-being, evidence-based interventions.
