Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics
LONELINESS, SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AS CORRELATES OF EMOTIONAL-RELATIONAL ENGAGEMENT WITH CONVERSATIONAL AI
Abstract
Conversational AI is increasingly used not only for information seeking but also for emotional and relational purposes. This study examined the associations between emotional-relational engagement with conversational AI, psychological distress, loneliness, and perceived social support in 138 Italian university students. Emotional-relational engagement was associated with greater psychological vulnerability and lower perceived social support, while conversational AI was primarily perceived as a psychologically safe, non-judgmental space rather than a substitute for human relationship.
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References
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.32043/gsd.v10i3.1918
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Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics
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ISSN: 2532-3296 E-ISSN: 3103-5744