Exploring the Use of Large Language Models for Improving the Awareness of Mindfulness
Harsh Kumar, Yiyi Wang, Jia-Kai Shi, Ilya Musabirov, Norman A. S. Farb, J. Williams
CHI Extended Abstracts April 19, 2023 DOI: 10.1145/3544549.3585614 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized factorial experiment (pilot) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Informational chatbot Tutorial video Reflection chatbot |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key findings | Preliminary findings suggest that interaction with either the informational or reflection chatbot improved participants' intent to practice mindfulness again, and the tutorial video improved participants' reported overall experience of the exercise. The authors frame these results as promising but preliminary, outlining directions for LLM-based chatbots in awareness-related interventions. |
Abstract
Teachable self-help techniques, such as mindfulness, can reduce anxiety and improve mental well-being outcomes. However, people lack proper awareness of such techniques. In this work, we explore the design space of using online dissemination channels to help people learn about mindfulness. We investigate the potential benefits of using Large Language Models (LLMs) to improve awareness and willingness to practice these techniques, building on a video-based intervention to introduce mindfulness. We designed a pilot between subjects randomized factorial experiment of 2 (Informational Chatbot: present vs. absent) x 2 (Tutorial Video: present vs. absent) x 2 (Reflection Chatbot: present vs. absent). Our preliminary findings suggest that interaction with either of the chatbots improved the participants’ intent to practice Mindfulness again, and the tutorial video improved the participants’ reported overall experience of the exercise. This highlights the potential promise and outlines the directions for exploring the use of LLM-based chatbots for awareness-related interventions.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- StreAM: An LLM-Based System for Stress-Adaptive Meditation at Work CHI Extended Abstracts April 13, 2026
- Exploring the Design of a LLM-Based AI Assistant for Mindfulness Practice With Older Adults International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems April 13, 2026
- DreamDirector: Designing a Generative AI System to Aid Therapists in Treating Clients' Nightmares International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces March 24, 2025
Cites 2
- The Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory: Extensions, Applications, and Challenges at the Attention–Appraisal–Emotion Interface Psychological Inquiry October 2, 2015
- New Evidence in the Booming Field of Online Mindfulness: An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials JMIR Mental Health February 23, 2021