Understanding Human-AI Relational Engagement and Its Clinical Relevance - Paperback

Understanding Human-AI Relational Engagement and Its Clinical Relevance explores the evolving nature of human relationships with artificial intelligence and its significance within therapeutic settings. The text presents a relational psychology perspective on the engagements between individuals and various forms of AI, such as virtual assistants and chatbots. It examines these interactions not as speculative technocentric visions but as actual relational experiences that mirror and at times evoke human-to-human connections. The book examines psychological projections, formations of attachment, and meanings assigned by human minds to AI responses.

The text covers a variety of topics related to human-AI relationships, including the foundational aspects of human connection, the dynamics of emotional intimacy without physical presence, and the complexities involved with ruptures and terminations in these relationships. It specifically addresses the clinical implications for mental health professionals as they encounter the influence of AI within therapeutic contexts.

Understanding Human-AI Relational Engagement and Its Clinical Relevance underscores the critical need for understanding the psychological underpinnings of human interactions with AI, preparing future mental health providers to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these novel forms of relational engagement. The book is ideal for courses and programs in psychology, human-computer interaction, and counseling.