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Lebanese Survey Finds Most Adult Respondents Use AI Chatbots for Psychological Support
A cross-sectional survey of 951 adults in Lebanon found that 62.8 percent of participants reported using artificial intelligence chatbots for informal mental health support. The investigation evaluated self-reported adoption rates alongside psychological and sociodemographic variables to understand how conversational automated systems are utilized amid cultural stigma and financial barriers. Researchers documented that engagement with these digital tools was particularly pronounced among individuals experiencing elevated levels of psychological distress, younger participants, and women.
The study sought to address a notable gap in regional data regarding digital mental health technologies within Lebanon. Prior research into chatbot adoption remained scarce across the country, where financial constraints and cultural stigma often restrict access to conventional mental health services. In response, the research team examined whether conversational agents serve as accessible alternatives, identifying specific sociodemographic factors, psychological symptoms, and user perceptions that correspond with chatbot engagement across the adult population.
Participant recruitment occurred between September and October 2025, enrolling adult residents who completed comprehensive self-administered questionnaires. The survey battery gathered data on individual chatbot utilization habits, perceived drivers and practical barriers to adoption, and baseline attitudes regarding artificial intelligence trustworthiness. To quantify mental well-being, the methodology incorporated validated clinical screening instruments, specifically the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5).
Descriptive analyses revealed distinct differences between participants who consulted chatbots and those who did not. Chatbot users were more frequently female, younger in age, and more likely to report underlying mental health difficulties. Furthermore, respondents who used automated platforms demonstrated significantly higher baseline trust in artificial intelligence systems and expressed greater perceived usefulness regarding automated conversational interactions compared to non-users.
Participants cited practical advantages when explaining their motivations for using automated conversational tools. Users strongly endorsed chatbots as accessible instruments that save time and reduce financial burdens compared to traditional consultations. Additionally, respondents indicated that interacting with non-human software helped mitigate perceived social judgment and prevented personal embarrassment, enabling them to seek support without confronting the interpersonal discomfort often linked to psychological discussions.
Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed several independent predictors of artificial intelligence chatbot utilization for psychological assistance. Female sex remained significantly associated with usage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.421, 95% CI 1.007–2.006, p = 0.045). Younger age also predicted higher engagement, with the odds of use decreasing slightly for each increasing year of age (aOR = 0.972 per year, 95% CI 0.945–1.000, p = 0.046). Similarly, higher perceived artificial intelligence trustworthiness strongly correlated with chatbot adoption (aOR = 1.467, 95% CI 1.356–1.588, p < 0.001).
Psychological symptom severity emerged as a notable independent factor associated with chatbot interactions. Individuals experiencing moderate psychological distress exhibited nearly double the odds of using chatbots relative to those with lower distress levels (aOR = 1.981, p = 0.010). For participants experiencing severe psychological distress, the likelihood of utilizing chatbots was even higher (aOR = 2.240, p = 0.007), indicating that elevated distress corresponds with greater reliance on automated digital support tools.
When consulting artificial intelligence platforms, participants reported seeking assistance across a wide spectrum of psychological and emotional challenges. The most frequent reasons for engagement included managing symptoms of anxiety, low mood, professional or personal burnout, emotional pain, sleep disturbances, and acute panic symptoms. The wide variety of reported concerns indicates that individuals turned to chatbots for daily mood stabilization as well as acute stress management.
The authors concluded that artificial intelligence chatbots function as common informal psychological support tools among Lebanese adults, serving especially vulnerable or distressed demographics. However, the researchers emphasized that the cross-sectional findings capture current usage patterns rather than therapeutic efficacy. The team underscored that future investigations must evaluate the clinical accuracy, safety parameters, and diagnostic limitations of advice generated by automated chatbots when individuals seek mental health assistance.
Subject of Research: Adoption and predictors of artificial intelligence chatbot use for mental health support among Lebanese adults
Article Title: Exploring the use of artificial intelligence chatbots for mental health support in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study
Article References: Boutros, T., Fadel, D. A., Chalhoub, G., Ghadban, C., Fadel, J., Akl, C., Habr, C., Ghadban, E., & Mina, A. (2026). Exploring the use of artificial intelligence chatbots for mental health support in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-026-08846-9
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-026-08846-9
Keywords: artificial intelligence, chatbots, mental health, Lebanon, cross-sectional study, psychological distress, PHQ-4, WHO-5, PC-PTSD-5, digital health, health psychology, anxiety, depression, AI trust, healthcare access, survey research
News Source: Glenn Wilkins. (November 12, 2026). Lebanese Survey Finds Most Adult Respondents Use AI Chatbots for Psychological Support. Scienmag.
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