Randomization and Masking
SECONDARY, RECRUITMENT
Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either the chatbot intervention or an assessment-only control. The randomization scheme was generated by a research agency using a validated computer software. Blinding of the participants was not possible because of the nature of the intervention. The risk of bias from researchers was minimized because of having no contact with participants during the trial (ie, recruitment; randomization, survey dissemination, and compensation was completed by the research agency). Data analysts were blinded when conducting analyses of primary and secondary trait outcomes; however, this was not possible for primary and secondary state measures because of the within-group design.