Shahid Beheshti University Applied Psychology 2008-4331 20 2 2026 06 22 Identifying the Components of Psychological Counseling for Adolescents with Artificial Intelligence: A Grounded Theory Study Identifying the Components of Psychological Counseling for Adolescents with Artificial Intelligence: A Grounded Theory Study 111 128 106886 10.48308/apsy.2026.242622.1942 FA Zahra Sadat Pour Seyyed Aghaei Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0002-2267-9451 Pegah Tashakori Movahed B.A. in Counseling and Guidance, Department of Counseling ,Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran. 0009-0009-2796-3484 Journal Article 2025 11 24 Aim: This study aimed to formulate a comprehensive theoretical model explaining the process of psychological counseling interactions between adolescents and artificial intelligence systems. Method: This qualitative study was conducted using grounded theory methodology. The research population included adolescents from different cities in Iran during 1404 (2025–2026). Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data saturation was achieved with 21 participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s constant comparative method through open, axial, and selective coding. Results: Data analysis led to the development of a paradigm model in which the central phenomenon was psychological counseling with artificial intelligence. The causal condition underlying this phenomenon was identified as the need for a psychological-functional refuge. Psychological-emotional vulnerability was identified as the contextual condition, while socio-technological enabling structures functioned as intervening conditions. Adolescents responded to these conditions through a strategy of digitalized agency. The consequences of this process were dual in nature: on one hand, temporary emotional relief and superficial functioning, and on the other hand, potential harmful changes in human–technology relationships and erosion of social and communicative capital. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for balanced and ethically guided use of artificial intelligence in adolescent counseling to prevent long-term psychosocial risks associated with excessive reliance on AI systems. Aim: This study aimed to formulate a comprehensive theoretical model explaining the process of psychological counseling interactions between adolescents and artificial intelligence systems. Method: This qualitative study was conducted using grounded theory methodology. The research population included adolescents from different cities in Iran during 1404 (2025–2026). Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data saturation was achieved with 21 participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s constant comparative method through open, axial, and selective coding. Results: Data analysis led to the development of a paradigm model in which the central phenomenon was psychological counseling with artificial intelligence. The causal condition underlying this phenomenon was identified as the need for a psychological-functional refuge. Psychological-emotional vulnerability was identified as the contextual condition, while socio-technological enabling structures functioned as intervening conditions. Adolescents responded to these conditions through a strategy of digitalized agency. The consequences of this process were dual in nature: on one hand, temporary emotional relief and superficial functioning, and on the other hand, potential harmful changes in human–technology relationships and erosion of social and communicative capital. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for balanced and ethically guided use of artificial intelligence in adolescent counseling to prevent long-term psychosocial risks associated with excessive reliance on AI systems.

https://apsy.sbu.ac.ir/article_106886_2c5bcd5439b4ef5c18609a436559e70a.pdf