Zhuoqun Jiang

Scaffolded Vulnerability: Chatbot-Mediated Reciprocal Self-Disclosure and Need-Supportive Interaction in Couples

2026

While reciprocal self-disclosure drives intimacy, digital tools seldom scaffold autonomy, competence, and relatedness—the motivational underpinnings defined by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) that enable deep exchange. We introduce a chatbot employing dual-layer scaffolding to satisfy these needs: …