Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: The increasing demand for mental health services, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the necessity for innovative and accessible solutions. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately one billion people suffer from mental disorders, many of whom lack access to adequate care. This study aims to explore the role of hope in the acceptance and continued use of digital health technologies, specifically AI-based conversational agents, as a means to provide psychological support.
METHODS: This research adopts a conceptual approach grounded in Snyder's hope theory to examine how hope influences individuals' willingness to adopt and sustain the use of health information technologies (HITs). Understanding the role of hope is particularly important when evaluating technology-based treatments in healthcare, where individuals are pursuing clear goals, such as the solution or cure of a mental health condition. By reviewing existing literature on the intersection of hope and technology adoption, the study identifies key factors that may facilitate or hinder the acceptance of digital mental health interventions.
RESULTS: Preliminary findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of hope are more optimistic and motivated about the effectiveness of technological interventions. Thus, they are more likely to adopt and continue using AI-based conversational agents for mental health support. The study also identifies a significant gap in the literature concerning the role of hope in the adoption of health information technologies (HITs), emphasizing the need for further empirical research.
CONCLUSIONS: Hope can act as a crucial facilitator in overcoming perceived barriers, such as stigma and distrust, related to digital mental health interventions. Understanding the role of hope in the acceptance of technological innovations can enhance the implementation of intelligent conversational agents in clinical practice. This research contributes to the academic debate on mental health information technology adoption and offers valuable insights for improving mental health care through innovative digital solutions.