Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) conversational agents into mental health, self-reflection, and well-being platforms has prompted growing interest in their psychological impact. While existing research has largely emphasized symptom reduction and short-term well-being outcomes, less is known about how sustained interaction with AI conversational agents may support broader processes of human flourishing. Responding to the Technology, Mind, and Behavior special issue on AI conversational agents and human flourishing, the present qualitative study examines how individuals experience psychological growth through ongoing dialogic engagement with an AI conversational agent. Drawing on a qualitative secondary analysis of user-generated journal entries from a real-world AI-assisted psychotherapy platform, Psyhelp, this study explores processes of meaning making, self-directed agency, narrative coherence, and perceived relational support. Using reflexive thematic analysis, five interrelated themes were identified: movement from symptom-focused language toward meaning-oriented reflection; emergence of agency through dialogue; increasing narrative coherence over time; experiencing the AI as a reflective but bounded presence; and reframing flourishing as living with complexity rather than resolution. Together, these findings suggest that AI conversational agents may scaffold flourishing-related psychological processes by supporting reflection, narrative integration, and agency without replacing human relationships. Implications are discussed for psychological theory, ethical AI design, and future research on human–AI interaction.

Keywords

AI conversational agents human flourishing qualitative research narrative coherence agency human–AI interaction

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Adler

J. M.

Lodi-Smith

Philippe

F. L.

Houle

(2016). The incremental validity of narrative identity in predicting well-being: A review of the field and recommendations for the future. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 20(2), 142–175. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868315585068

American Psychological Association. (2024). Artificial intelligence in mental health care: Clinical applications, ethical issues, and future directions. American Psychologist, 78(9), 20–23. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001261

Andersson

Titov

Dear

B. F.

Rozental

Carlbring

(2019). Internet-delivered psychological treatments: From innovation to implementation. World Psychiatry, 18(1), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20610

Bickmore

T. W.

Gruber

Picard

R. W.

(2005). Establishing the computer–patient working alliance in automated health behavior change interventions. Patient Education and Counseling, 59(1), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2004.09.008

Braun

Clarke

(2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Braun

Clarke

(2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589–597. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806

British Psychological Society (2021). Ethics guidelines for internet-mediated research. https://www.bps.org.uk.

Creswell

J. W.

Poth

C. N.

(2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Deci

E. L.

Ryan

R. M.

(2008). Self-determination theory: A macrotheory of human motivation, development, and health. Canadian Psychology, 49(3), 182–185. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0012801

10.

Finlay

(2002). Negotiating the swamp: The opportunity and challenge of reflexivity in research practice. Qualitative Research, 2(2), 209–230. https://doi.org/10.1177/146879410200200205

11.

Fitzpatrick

K. K.

Darcy

Vierhile

(2017). Delivering cognitive behavior therapy to young adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety using a fully automated conversational agent (Woebot): A randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mental Health, 4(2), e19. https://doi.org/10.2196/mental.7785

12.

Heaton

(2008). Secondary analysis of qualitative data: An overview. Historical Social Research, 33(3), 33–45. https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.33.2008.3.33-45

13.

Hoermann

McCabe

K. L.

Milne

D. N.

Calvo

R. A.

(2017). Application of synchronous text-based dialogue systems in mental health interventions: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(8), e267. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7023

14.

Inkster

Sarda

Subramanian

(2018). An empathy-driven, conversational artificial intelligence agent (Wysa) for digital mental well-being: Real-world data evaluation. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 6(11), e12106. https://doi.org/10.2196/12106

15.

Linardon

Cuijpers

Carlbring

Messer

Fullana

M. A.

(2019). The efficacy of app-supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry, 18(3), 325–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20673

16.

Long-Sutehall

Sque

Addington-Hall

(2010). Secondary analysis of qualitative data: A valuable method for exploring sensitive issues with an elusive population? Journal of Research in Nursing, 15(4), 335–344. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987110381553

17.

Markus

H. R.

Kitayama

(2010). Cultures and selves: A cycle of mutual constitution. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 5(4), 420–430. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691610375557

18.

McAdams

D. P.

McLean

K. C.

(2013). Narrative identity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(3), 233–238. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721413475622

19.

Patton

M. Q.

(2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

20.

Pennebaker

J. W.

Chung

C. K.

(2011). Expressive writing: Connections to physical and mental health. In Friedman

H. S.

(Ed.), The Oxford handbook of health psychology (pp. 417–437). Oxford University Press.

21.

Pennebaker

J. W.

Smyth

J. M.

(2016). Opening up by writing it down: How expressive writing improves health and eases emotional pain (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

22.

Ryff

C. D.

(2014). Psychological well-being revisited: Advances in the science and practice of eudaimonia. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 83(1), 10–28. https://doi.org/10.1159/000353263

23.

Ryff

C. D.

Singer

B. H.

(2008). Know thyself and become what you are: A eudaimonic approach to psychological well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 13–39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-006-9019-0

24.

Seligman

M. E.

(2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.

25.

Steger

M. F.

Frazier

Oishi

Kaler

(2006). The meaning in life questionnaire: Assessing the presence of and search for meaning in life. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53(1), 80–93. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.53.1.80

26.

Torous

Wykes

(2020). Opportunities and challenges in the digital mental health revolution: A consensus statement. World Psychiatry, 19(1), 92–99. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20684

27.

Valkenburg

P. M.

Peter

(2011). Online communication among adolescents: An integrated model of its attraction, opportunities, and risks. Journal of Adolescent Health, 48(2), 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.08.020

Human Flourishing in Dialogue With an AI Conversational Agent Using Psyhelp: A Qualitative Study of Narrative,Agency,and Meaning Making

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References