Integrating AI chatbots into mental health strategies: Pre-post intervention study on support for unemployed graduates in China

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in tertiary education; reshaping teaching and learning experiences, streamlining administrative tasks, and driving research innovation. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of AI chatbot interventions on unemployed university graduates in China, in reducing anxiety and enhancing career readiness. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating a quantitative approach using a randomized pretest-posttest control group design and a qualitative approach involving focus group discussion. Sixty unemployed graduates in China were randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving eight structured AI chatbot counseling via Chat GPT); and control group (receiving human counseling and supplementary activities). Anxiety and career readiness were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7) and Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS). The findings indicated that, following the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in both anxiety and career readiness, and greater than those measured in the control group. In terms of user experience, AI chatbots in counseling offer several advantages, including enhanced accessibility, constant availability, and anonymity. According to university policymakers, counselors, and technology specialists, AI chatbots can be effectively utilized by a large number of students to address diverse mental health concerns, ensuring cost efficiency compared to human counseling. Therefore, AI chatbot interventions represent as a feasible tool within tertiary education for delivering mental health and career development services under the guidance and oversight of counselors or educational advisors. Successful integration requires preparation in terms of leadership support, institutional policies, resource allocation, and capacity building for both students and staff.