Effectiveness of A Mindfulness-centered Stress Management AI Chatbot to Reduce Stress and Enhance Mental Health Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-centered stress management AI chatbot in reducing perceived stress and enhancing mental health among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the AI chatbot show a greater reduction in perceived stress compared to standardized psychoeducational materials? 2. Does the AI chatbot improve mental health outcomes, including depressive and anxiety symptoms, subjective well-being, and emotion regulation? Researchers will compare the AI chatbot to a control group receiving psychoeducational materials to see if the chatbot works to reduce stress and improve mental health. Participants will: 1. Be randomized to use the AI chatbot (recommended at least 2 sessions per week, 10-15 minutes per session) or read psychoeducational materials (2 times per week) for 4 weeks. 2. Complete online self-report questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention (Week 4), and 4-week follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥ 18 years. 2. Chinese 3. Self-identify as MSM. 4. Own a smartphone to ensure compatibility with the intervention platform. 5. Mild to moderate perceived stress, defined as Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) score \< 43. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with an acute severe mental disorder, such as psychosis, major depressive disorder, or anxiety disorder; 2. Currently receiving psychotherapy at enrollment. 3. Report moderately severe to severe depressive symptoms, defined as a PHQ-9 total score greater than 14. 4. Unable to provide online informed consent or complete study procedures.