Exploring Generative AI for Personalized Engagement in Therapy Adherence Contexts

Abstract

This study explores the use of generative AI to create personalized virtual companions, referred to as "Tamagotchis," aimed at fostering emotional engagement and supporting therapy adherence. A prototype system was developed that generates individualized 2D image sequences representing symbolic objects or characters in different states, such as weakened, neutral, or improved. Through a mixed-methods evaluation involving a quantitative survey (n=78) and qualitative interviews (n=10), the study assessed the visual clarity, emotional resonance, and perceived relevance of the generated images. Results indicate that personalized objects were more emotionally engaging than predefined versions, and user involvement in the creation process significantly enhanced identification and motivation. These findings suggest that emotionally adaptive virtual companions may hold promise as a supportive element in long-term therapeutic interventions.