JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Evidence-based psychological interventions (EBPIs) are usually not accessed by marginalized groups such as refugees. Culturally adapted psychological interventions report larger effect sizes compared to non-adapted psychological interventions. A challenge, however, is the lengthy process of culturally adapting interventions.

Objective:

The aim of the current study was to investigate the acceptability and cultural relevance of two common cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) techniques when translated and culturally adapted by artificial intelligence compared to a human expert.

Methods:

In a 2x2 factorial design, the cultural adaptation generators (AI versus human) and the CBT techniques (cognitive restructuring versus behavior modification) were compared. Raters were randomly allocated to one of four conditions. Raters were Arabic-speaking refugees and immigrants, aged between 18 to 69 years, residing in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. CBT technique texts were rated using the cultural relevance questionnaire (CRQ) and the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA). Two-factor between subject design analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results:

Regarding cultural relevance, a significant main effect of expert type, p = .017, η² = .045, was found in the first rating trial, with AI performing better than the human expert. No significant main effects of the CBT technique were found in the first rating, p = .10, η² = .022. There were no differences in the second trial rating. Regarding acceptability, no significant main effects of expert type, p = .087, η² = .024 or the CBT technique, p = .88, η² = .001, were found in either trial

Conclusions:

Artificial intelligence can play a role in the field of ethnopsychotherapy through acceleration of the cultural adaptation process. However, artificial intelligence still needs to be used with caution, following rigorous safety standards and robust frameworks.