User Preferences on AI Psychotherapy Based on Moderating Effects of Individual Personality Traits: Employing a Clustering Analysis

The recent appearance of AI psychological counseling services is expected to lower physical, economic, and psychological burdens for individuals seeking psychological counseling and increase participation in the service. AI psychological counseling research is still in its infancy, and therefore it is important to consider client preference to achieve positive effects. However, no research has been conducted to investigate client preferences regarding AI therapists. Therefore, this study explores the characteristics of AI counselors preferred by clients (e.g., rapport, trust, expertise, and attraction), as well as which AI agent therapist characteristics have positive effects on the attitudes of clients (users). This study confirms the characteristics that affect client intention to use AI counseling. Groups were divided using the K-means clustering technique based on the individual’s degree of introversion/extroversion and depression because characteristics desired in AI counselors may differ depending on individual client inclinations and examined differences between groups. The results of this study will help enhance and supplement the capabilities of developers and actual counselors through client-tailored counseling.