Author Identifiers
Scott Hannah: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6668-2926
Deirdre Drake: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7566-9209
Chris Huntley: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4045-8433
Joanne M. Dickson: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4626-8761
Publication Date
7-10-2025
Document Type
Dataset
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
School or Research Centre
School of Arts and Humanities
Description
Individuals are increasingly using the artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, to seek conversational support for their personal mental health difficulties. Heightened concerns about mental health stigma may make anonymous, on-demand chatbot interactions more appealing for some than traditional face-toface support. This study examined if using ChatGPT for personal mental health difficulties is associated with two distinct forms of stigma, anticipated stigma and self-stigma. Our main aim investigated if the perceived effectiveness of ChatGPT use for mental health issues mediates the relationship between ChatGPT usage and anticipated stigma and self-stigma. Participants (n = 73) completed online self-report measures assessing ChatGPT usage for mental health purposes, the perceived effectiveness of ChatGPT for mental health issues, and anticipated stigma and self-stigma. Perceived effectiveness of ChatGPT was significantly and positively correlated with ChatGPT usage, and significantly negatively correlated with reduced anticipated stigma. Analyses found that perceived effectiveness significantly mediated the relationship between ChatGPT use and anticipated stigma, but not for self-stigma. Results indicate that ChatGPT use, when perceived as effective, is linked to reduced anticipated stigma concerning mental health issues. More research is now needed in this emerging area to inform best practice on the use of AI aids for mental health issues.
Additional Information
de identified data
Research Activity Title
As Effective as You Perceive It: The Relationship between ChatGPT’s Perceived Effectiveness and Mental Health Stigma
Research Activity Description
BA Honours Psychology Research Project
Methodology
ECU students aged 18 years and over were recruited via Engagement and Learning in Psychology through Active Research Participation (ELPARP) scheme. Students were awarded credit points (5%) towards their modules to acknowledge participation. Additionally, the study was advertised through social media platforms (Facebook/Instagram), online tech forums, AI and technology conference meetups, and ECU internal student news platforms for non-ELPARP participants and community members. All responses were anonymous. The online Qualtrics study was open from March 2024 – August 2024
Start of data collection time period
2024
End of data collection time period
2024
File Format(s)
csv.
File Size
1MB
Access Rights
Dataset is embargoed until October 8th, 2026
Contact
j.dickson@ecu.edu.au
Citation
Hannah, S., Drake, D., Huntley, C., & Dickson, J. M. (2025). Research ChatGPT Mental Health Stigma. . [Data set]. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/cxnr-a008