User self-disclosure towards a sexual health chatbot: the role of chatbot self-disclosure and anthropomorphic cues
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2023-12-12
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en
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Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the impact of a sexual health chatbot’s selfdisclosure
and anthropomorphic cues on users’ self-disclosure. In a 2 × 2 factorial
design, 120 participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions varying in the
chatbot’s level of self-disclosure and anthropomorphic cues. They engaged in discussions
about condom use with a chatbot (via the Wizard of Oz method) that employed the
motivational interviewing technique. Although Bayesian statistics showed inconclusive
evidence and lack of effects for the influence of chatbot self-disclosure and anthropomorphic
cues on user self-disclosure, a robust positive correlation emerged between user
self-disclosure and sexual orientation. In addition, the chatbot successfully integrated
motivational interviewing, triggered anthropomorphism in the user, and created a safe
environment for users to self-disclose. This study contributes to the field of humanchatbot
interaction, particularly in the sensitive realm of sexual health. It provides a
foundation for future research on chatbot attributes and inclusion within the context of
human-healthcare chatbot interaction, while also offering practical insights to improve
the interaction between humans and chatbots in sensitive healthcare domains. The
current study highlights the potential of chatbots to establish safe (sexual) health support
platforms, reducing dependence on human professionals and enhancing healthcare
accessibility.
Keywords: self-disclosure, anthropomorphism, conversational agents, sexual health,
motivational interviewing, Wizard of Oz
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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen