Using an Artificial Intelligence Based Chatbot to Provide Parent Training: Results from a Feasibility Study

Abstract

Online parenting training programs have shown to be effective. However, no studies on parent training programs delivered through chatbots have been reported yet. Aim. This study aims to assess the feasibility of delivering parenting skills through a chatbot. Methods. A sample of 33 parents completed a pilot feasibility study. Engagement, knowledge, net-promoters score and qualitative responses were analyzed. Results. A total of 78.8% of the sample completed the intervention. On average, participants remembered 3.7 skills out of the 5 presented and reported that they would recommend the chatbot to other parents (net promoter score was 7.44; SD = 2.31 out of 10). Overall, parents sent a mean of 54.24 (SD = 13.5) messages to the chatbot, and the mean number of words per message was 3. Main themes parents discussed with the chatbot included issues regarding their child’s habits, handling disruptive behaviors, interpersonal development, and emotional difficulties. Parents generally commented on the usefulness of the intervention and suggested improvements to the chatbot’s communication style. Conclusions. Overall, users completed the intervention, engaged with the bot, and would recommend the intervention to others. This suggests parenting skills could be delivered via chatbots.

Keywords

• chatbots
• parent training
• artificial intelligence
• engagement