Who will turn to chatbots for emotional disclosure? This research contributes to ongoing scientific efforts to understand chatbot usage behaviors among adolescents. Specifically, we examined the relationships between self-disclosure to chatbots and levels of self-compassion and existential meaninglessness, as well as whether gender and culture moderate these preferences. A cross-cultural survey study was conducted to pursue this goal. A total sample of 2272 adolescents (M age = 15.53 years) from the United States and Hong Kong was collected. A major finding was that the preference for self-disclosure with chatbots was positively correlated with levels of self-compassion and negatively correlated with levels of existential meaninglessness. These correlations were moderated by gender and culture. The results also indicated that adolescents who exclusively self-disclose to chatbots may experience a higher level of existential meaninglessness. These new findings present opportunities for future studies that will enhance our understanding of the relationship among self-disclosure to chatbots, self-compassion and existential meaninglessness.

Objectives: Whereas some women may perceive pregnancy as a welcome challenge and a source of satisfaction, self-development, and maturity, others may experience perinatal-specific stress (PSS). Emerging evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for perinatal women. Given the debate about the effects of MBIs on PSS reduction, as well as the limitations of existing studies, such as practical concerns and small sample sizes, the current study aimed to contribute further evidence by utilizing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effects of mobile-delivered MBIs on women’s PSS and neonatal outcomes, compared with outcomes from a mobile-delivered psychoeducation intervention. Method: One hundred and seventy-eight adult pregnant women were randomized into two groups––one to receive a mobile-delivered eight-session MBI (n = 93) and the other to receive a web-based perinatal education program (n = 85). Outcomes included perinatal distress, mindfulness, and neonatal outcomes. Results: Women in the MBI group showed a significantly greater reduction in their PSS levels from baseline to the follow-up-timepoint (T2) compared with the control group. The MBI group had a significant enhancement of mindfulness, and their newborns had higher Apgar scores compared with the control group. Mindfulness improvement levels after the intervention significantly mediated the intervention effect in reducing the participating women’s PSS levels. Conclusions: With a reasonably high participation rate (approximately 75%), the MBI delivered by mobile phone can be a feasible, desirable, and efficacious intervention for reducing perinatal-specific stress throughout pregnancy and enhancing neonatal outcomes.