RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07494110

Aurora: AI-Based Narrative Intervention to Support Emotional Well-Being in Clinical and Non-Clinical Populations

Aurora: Evaluation of an AI-Based Narrative Intervention for Emotional Well-Being, Identity Processes, and Recovery-Oriented Outcomes in Clinical and Non-Clinical Populations

Sponsor

Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

Enrollment

55 participants

Start Date

Feb 12, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Elderly Aging Mental Health Wellbeing Institutionalization

Summary

Aurora is an interdisciplinary project evaluating a chatbot-mediated supportive care intervention designed to promote emotional expression, autobiographical meaning-making, identity processes, and emotional well-being through guided narrative reconstruction. The Aurora system provides a structured, person-centered storytelling process supported by generative AI and human facilitation. Under the supervision of a trained facilitator (licensed mental health professional), participants engage in guided reminiscence and storytelling sessions to co-create a personalized "life book." The chatbot is not a diagnostic or treatment tool; rather, it is intended to support emotional expression, narrative reconstruction, and recovery-oriented processes. The study includes three non-randomized arms implemented sequentially: (1) a single-session arm of healthy adults focused on acceptability, usability, and emotional safety; (2) a four-hour intervention arm of adults with DSM-5 diagnosed mental disorders in residential care; and (3) a four-hour intervention arm of healthy older adults aged 65 years and older. Quantitative outcomes assess affect, mental well-being, and recovery-related constructs. Additional measures include usability, satisfaction, and qualitative feedback. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is conducted in Arms 2 and 3.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Aurora is an innovative study testing whether an AI-assisted storytelling and life-review program — guided by a trained mental health professional — can improve emotional well-being, identity, and recovery in three different groups: healthy adults, adults with mental health conditions living in residential care, and healthy adults aged 65 and older. The program is not a treatment tool but rather a supportive space for personal narrative reconstruction using a chatbot and human facilitation. Healthy adults aged 18 and older who can read and understand Spanish are eligible for the single-session arm; adults in residential mental health care with a confirmed DSM-5 diagnosis may join the 4-session arm; and healthy adults aged 65 and over may join the older adult 4-session arm. Participation involves one to four guided storytelling sessions, mood questionnaires before and after each session, and daily ecological assessments via smartphone during and around the intervention period. This summary was prepared to help patients understand the study in plain language.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALchatbot-mediated supportive care intervention

Aurora is a guided narrative reconstruction chatbot combining structured storytelling and reminiscence with an AI-based conversational system and support from a trained facilitator. Participants co-create a personalized life narrative ("life book") with written content and optional audio contributions (with explicit consent). Sessions occur in a secure professional environment and are supervised by licensed mental health professionals to ensure emotional safety. Aurora is not a diagnostic tool and is intended to promote emotional expression, recovery-oriented processes, and emotional well-being. The intervention is delivered in structured guided sessions. Arm 1 receives a single-session version for refinement and usability assessment, whereas Arms 2 and 3 receive a 4-hour intervention delivered over two weeks. The total intervention dose is equivalent across Arms 2 and 3. Session structure differs to accommodate participant characteristics.