The Impact of Empathetic Language on Willingness to Disclose Mental Health Related Information to a Chatbot
L.W. Sadoukri (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
E.C.S. de Groot – Mentor (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
U.K. Gadiraju – Mentor (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
M.L. Tielman – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
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Abstract
This study investigates whether empathetic language in chatbot interactions influences users’ willingness to disclose mental health-related information. Using a two-by-two mixed factorial design, 114 participants were assigned to either an empathetic or neutral chatbot condition and responded to both emotional and behavioural health questions. While prior research suggests that empathy can pormote trust and openness, results from this study revealed no significant difference in disclosure willingness across chatbot styles or question types, although the manipulation check showed a well perceived empathy. The study highlights the importance of individual predispositions, such as prior readiness to disclose, in shaping interactions with digital mental health tools. Future work should explore longer-term interactions and real disclosure behaviour to better understand the role of empathy in chatbot design.