Associations of Generative AI Use for Health Issues With Anxiety and Depression

Yusen Zhai; Jusuk Song; Eungyeong Jun; Matthew E. Lemberger-Truelove; Yung‐Wei Dennis Lin; Yiying Xiong; Isak Kim; Laura Shannonhouse; Xue Du

doi:10.1002/jcad.70064

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Associations of Generative AI Use for Health Issues With Anxiety and Depression

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Associations of Generative AI Use for Health Issues With Anxiety and Depression

Yusen Zhai, Jusuk Song, Eungyeong Jun, Matthew E. Lemberger-Truelove, Yung‐Wei Dennis Lin, Yiying Xiong, Isak Kim, Laura Shannonhouse and Xue Du

Journal of counseling and development

09/16/2026

DOI: 10.1002/jcad.70064

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Abstract

Although generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has been used as a source of general health information, its specific pertinence to mental health remains unclear. To discern if the use of GenAI for health issues was associated with anxiety and depression, we analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 96,205 US college students. Complex‐samples multivariable logistic regression models were performed, adjusting for demographic characteristics. Students who engaged with GenAI for health issues demonstrated higher odds of screening positive for clinically significant anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [ aOR ] = 1.52, 95% CI [1.34, 1.73], p < 0.001) and depression ( aOR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.28, 1.67], p < 0.001). These associations remained consistent in sensitivity analyses controlling for prior anxiety and depression diagnoses. Findings suggest that GenAI use for health issues may serve as a marker of anxiety and depression among college students, with implications for ways counselors assess and conceptualize practice initiatives.

artificial intelligence

generative AI

mental health

anxiety

depression

Details

Title: Subtitle: Associations of Generative AI Use for Health Issues With Anxiety and Depression
Creators: Yusen Zhai - University of Florida
Jusuk Song - Wheaton College - Illinois
Eungyeong Jun - University of Florida
Matthew E. Lemberger-Truelove - University of Connecticut
Yung‐Wei Dennis Lin - Department of Counselor Education University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa USA
Yiying Xiong - Johns Hopkins University
Isak Kim - University of Iowa
Laura Shannonhouse - University of Florida
Xue Du - University of Florida
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of counseling and development
DOI: 10.1002/jcad.70064
ISSN: 0748-9633
eISSN: 1556-6676
Publisher: Wiley
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 09/16/2026
Academic Unit: Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Counselor Education and Supervision; Center for Social Science Innovation
Record Identifier: 9985236351402771

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