Author Identifier
Scott Hannah: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6668-2926
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
School
School of Arts and Humanities
First Supervisor
Joanne Dickson
Second Supervisor
Deirdre Drake
Abstract
As the mental health treatment gap widens and artificial intelligence (AI) gains global popularity, individuals are increasingly using the AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to seek conversational support for their personal mental health difficulties. This study investigated the use of ChatGPT for these purposes in an Australian context. A cross-sectional quasi-experimental group design investigated the association between self-reported mental health literacy (MHL), mental health stigma, and help-seeking intentions by adults who used ChatGPT for their mental health difficulties (User-Group) versus those who did not use ChatGPT for this purpose (Non-User Group). Mediation analyses investigated the potential associations between ChatGPT use, MHL, stigma, the perceived effectiveness of ChatGPT’s efficacy for supporting mental health and help-seeking intentions. A total of 455 undergraduate psychology students (n = 369) and community members (n = 86) participated in the study. After data screening, 397 participants were retained for analysis. Results found no significant group differences in MHL, anticipated mental health stigma, or help-seeking intentions between the User-Group versus the Non-User Group. However, ChatGPT users reported significantly higher levels of self-stigma than non-users. Mediation analysis results suggest that after controlling for age and gender, ChatGPT use positively predicts perceived effectiveness, which may, in turn, suppress anticipated stigma. The remaining results indicate that the unstructured use of AI chatbots offers no significant benefits in supporting adult users with their MHL, self-stigma or help-seeking intentions. Future research may benefit from investigating how AI chatbots can be optimised to enhance MHL, reduce stigma, and increase help-seeking in real-world applications.
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 6th August 2026
Recommended Citation
Hannah, S. (2024). ChatGPT use in a mental health context: Associations with mental health literacy, stigma, help-seeking intentions, and perceived effectiveness among undergraduate students and community members. Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1620