Harry T. Costello
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Harry T. Costello is a leading researcher at the intersection of geriatric psychology and human-computer interaction, with a primary focus on leveraging conversational artificial intelligence to combat loneliness, social isolation, and mental health challenges in older adults. His most cited work, a 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis, rigorously evaluates autonomous conversational agents as scalable interventions for depression and anxiety in cognitively healthy older populations. This landmark study synthesizes evidence showing that natural language-driven technologies can significantly reduce psychological distress, offering a promising, low-cost alternative to traditional care models. With over 3 citations already, Costello’s research is shaping how we deploy AI companions to address the epidemic of loneliness in later life—a critical public health issue linked to increased mortality risk. His contributions bridge clinical psychology and computer science, demonstrating that thoughtfully designed agents can provide meaningful emotional support without replacing human connection. By validating these tools through robust meta-analytic methods, Costello is paving the way for evidence-based digital mental health interventions that are accessible, scalable, and tailored to the unique needs of aging populations.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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