AI in Relationship Counselling: Evaluating ChatGPT’s Therapeutic Capabilities in Providing Relationship Advice

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/3zajt
• Publication Date: 2023-10-30T05:00:28Z
• Authors: Laura Marika Vowels; Rachel Francois-W...; Joëlle Darwiche
• Keywords: Helpfulness; Therapeutic relationship; CLARITY; Thematic Analysis

Recent advancements in AI have led to chatbots, such as ChatGPT, capable of providing therapeutic responses. Early research evaluating chatbots’ ability provide relationship advice and single-session interventions has showed that both laypeople therapists rate them high on attributed empathy helpfulness. In the present study, 20 participants engaged intervention with ChatGPT were interviewed about their experiences. We evaluated performance comprising technical outcomes error linguistic accuracy quality questioning. The interviews analysed using reflexive thematic analysis which generated four themes: light at end tunnel; clearing fog; clinical skills; setting. analyses feasibility outcomes, coded by researchers perceived users, show provides realistic it consistently rated highly attributes skills, human-likeness, exploration, useability, clarity next steps for users’ problem. Limitations include a poor assessment risk reaching collaborative solutions participant. This study extends acceptance theories highlights potential capabilities support.