This three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VIPeerAgent, a virtual peer support agent, in improving mental health outcomes among adolescents and young adults aged 14-25 years experiencing psychological distress without a diagnosed mental disorder. Participants will be randomized to receive support from VIPeerAgent, a human peer mentor, or usual care. The study will assess whether VIPeerAgent is non-inferior to human peer support and superior to usual care in promoting mental health. Outcomes include mental health status, psychological resilience, coping strategies, perceived social support, and emotional intelligence. The findings will provide evidence for the effectiveness and scalability of AI-assisted peer support as an early intervention approach for youth mental health.
Adolescents and young adults aged 14-25 years. Experienced at least one moderate stressful life event within the past 6 months, with a score of moderate level or above on one or more items of the Stressful Life Events Scale.
A history of clinically diagnosed severe mental or psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder or schizophrenia.