Currently submitted to: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jan 22, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Jan 23, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026
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Group Parent Management Training Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence: Understanding Real World Data
ABSTRACT
Background:
Parent Management Training (PMT) is an evidence-based intervention for children with disruptive behavior problems. However, access to care is often limited by cost, availability of clinicians, scheduling, and transportation barriers. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into group PMT may improve accessibility, personalization, and adherence while preserving therapeutic quality.
Objective:
This study explored caregivers’ experiences with a hybrid PMT program that combined live, therapist-led group sessions with asynchronous support from Pat, an AI conversational agent (CA) designed to augment the therapists support to caregivers.
Methods:
A total of 88 caregivers of children aged 3 to 14 years from Argentina and Paraguay participated in eight weekly online group sessions led by human therapists and supplemented by Pat. Caregivers were asked to provide the Net Promoter Score (NPS) and their perceived contribution of their experience in the remote group sessions and with Pat. Caregiver perspectives were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis by multiple coders with consensus and interrater reliability assessment.
Results:
The average NPS was 76.92, indicating excellent satisfaction. Four major themes described participants’ experiences with the overall program: (1) useful strategies, (2) professional and peer support, (3) positive family changes, and (4) overall satisfaction and recommendation. Themes specific to Pat emphasized its constant accessibility, useful strategies, and emotional support and containment. Caregivers attributed up to 61% of their child’s progress to Pat and up to 46% to the live groups, suggesting that both components contributed synergistically and that Pat’s in the moment support was the most valuable contributing factor to positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
Combining therapist-led PMT groups with AI support appears feasible, acceptable, and valued by caregivers. Overall, caregivers valued the useful strategies, the professional and peer support, and reported positive changes. Regarding Pat, the most valued aspect was the constant and immediate support. While caregivers valued the professional and peer support, they valued the support from Pat.
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