Chatbot-Delivered Cognitive Defusion versus Cognitive Restructuring for Negative Self-Referential Thoughts: A Pilot Study

Abstract Conversational agents or chatbots are a novel, highly accessible, and low-resource method of psychological intervention delivery. The present research aims to compare two brief chatbot interventions that delivered cognitive restructuring defusion interventions, respectively. It was hypothesized would lead reduced fusion decreased thought believability relative nonactive control. Participants ( N = 223; M age 28.01 [ SD 10.29]; 47 identified as male, 174 female, 2 nonbinary) were randomized into one three conditions (defusion, restructuring, control), engaged for 5 days completing mood measures pre- postintervention. Sixty-two participants 25.98; 8.647 years) completed again at time (49 12 1 nonbinary). No statistically significant differences observed among groups on thoughts F [2, 25] .79, p .47, ηp .06), negativity [2,25] 1.49, . 25, η .11), discomfort associated with [2 , 25 ] 48, .62, .04), willingness 3.00, .07, .19) have negative self-referential thoughts. Moreover, substantial attrition 72% observed. Acceptability usability the employed discussed contributing toward limited effectiveness elevated attrition. Various recommendations presented support researchers clinicians in developing engaging effective chatbots.