TITLE:
Revolutionizing Peer Support for Children with Chronic Illness Leveraging Technology
AUTHORS:
Mahima Gyamlani
KEYWORDS:
Mental Health, Chronic Illness, Digital Mental Health Intervention, Artificial Intelligence, Peer Support, Children, Starfly
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
24,
2023
ABSTRACT: Children
with chronic health conditions face an increased risk for mental health issues
compared to their healthy peers. These mental health conditions can negatively
impact disease management and medical outcomes. Digital mental health
interventions (DMHIs), such as computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and
conversational AI, may help address this need. This paper describes an
in-progress DMHI using generative AI called Starfly. Starfly connects children
with chronic illness with peers to facilitate positive interactions without
stigma. The app offers a secure platform for social support and community
building among young people managing chronic illness. By leveraging AI and
thoughtful design, Starfly aims to promote mental well-being
and improve disease outcomes in this vulnerable population.