Innovative Chatbot System Mimics Group Therapy to Support Women with PMS
A groundbreaking chatbot system mimics traditional group therapy to help women manage PMS symptoms, increasing engagement and social support through digital peer interactions.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed an advanced chatbot-based group therapy system aimed at helping women manage premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS affects a significant portion of women of reproductive age and can cause a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. In severe cases, it resembles a mild mood disorder, impacting daily functioning both socially and professionally.
The newly designed system incorporates multiple chatbots functioning as a facilitator and peer support agents, creating a virtual environment that simulates traditional group therapy sessions. This approach leverages the known benefits of group counseling, such as shared experiences and peer support, and adapts them into a digital format that offers accessibility and ease of use.
The study, led by Associate Professor Koji Yatani, involved 63 participants divided into three conditions: no intervention, one-on-one chatbot interaction, and group chatbot interaction. Over two menstrual cycles, participants interacting in the group chatbot environment demonstrated higher engagement, increased social learning, and a stronger sense of support, showing promise for this innovative approach.
Participants also exhibited linguistic and cognitive convergence with the chatbots, indicating a deeper connection and shared understanding. The qualitative feedback highlighted feelings of belonging and social comparison, which are essential components of effective group therapy.
This research signifies a potential shift in mental health support for women dealing with PMS by providing a scalable and customizable digital platform. The team plans to explore longer-term effects and expand the study beyond Japan to ensure global applicability.
The findings were presented at the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems and published in the Proceedings of the same conference. This new multichatbot system offers a promising tool for enhancing mental health support and addressing social stigma associated with PMS, harnessing technology to improve women's health management.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-chatbot-simulates-group-therapy-premenstrual.html
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