More than 70% of adolescents use AI to seek emotional support, sharing experiences of anxiety, social isolation, and self-harm, often associated with undiagnosed psychological disorders. This article explores the potential uses of conversational AI for the early identification of psychological distress during adolescence. The literature indicates that chatbots can facilitate emotional self-disclosure, generating potential pedagogical and preclinical benefits. However, significant concerns remain, including simulated empathy, sycophancy, relational dependency, and limitations in crisis recognition, which preclude any replacement of clinical professionals. Accordingly, a hybrid model is proposed in which a DSM-5-TR-informed chatbot functions as a threshold device, collecting early indicators of distress and progressively directing adolescents toward professional care. The findings highlight the need for empirical validation and the development of shared ethical frameworks to ensure the responsible integration of these technologies into mental health support pathways (Common Sense Media, 2025; SIMA, 2023).
Giornale Italiano di Educazione alla Salute, Sport e Didattica Inclusiva Italian Journal of Health Education, Sport and Inclusive Didactics
Iavarone M. L.
;Monaco G.;
2026-01-01
Abstract
More than 70% of adolescents use AI to seek emotional support, sharing experiences of anxiety, social isolation, and self-harm, often associated with undiagnosed psychological disorders. This article explores the potential uses of conversational AI for the early identification of psychological distress during adolescence. The literature indicates that chatbots can facilitate emotional self-disclosure, generating potential pedagogical and preclinical benefits. However, significant concerns remain, including simulated empathy, sycophancy, relational dependency, and limitations in crisis recognition, which preclude any replacement of clinical professionals. Accordingly, a hybrid model is proposed in which a DSM-5-TR-informed chatbot functions as a threshold device, collecting early indicators of distress and progressively directing adolescents toward professional care. The findings highlight the need for empirical validation and the development of shared ethical frameworks to ensure the responsible integration of these technologies into mental health support pathways (Common Sense Media, 2025; SIMA, 2023).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
