Gavazzi, J., & Knapp, S.
The Pennsylvania Psychologist
(2025). Advance of publication.
Abstract
This paper explores the application of Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics as a framework for ethical AI integration in psychological practice. While Asimov’s laws were originally conceived for fictional robots, they offer valuable insights into ethical concerns surrounding AI in mental health services. The paper examines how these laws align with psychological ethics, particularly principles such as nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and fidelity. The First Law emphasizes preventing harm and ensuring patient well-being, addressing risks such as biased AI algorithms, privacy concerns, and over-reliance on automated decision-making. The Second Law highlights the necessity of maintaining human control over AI-assisted therapy and preventing professional deskilling. The Third Law underscores the importance of AI reliability, security, and transparency in clinical applications. While Asimov’s laws provide a foundational ethical lens, they are inherently limited compared to broader principle-based ethical frameworks, such as those proposed by Beauchamp and Childress. The paper concludes that while Asimov’s laws serve as a useful starting point, ethical AI integration in psychological practice requires continuous adaptation and oversight to ensure responsible implementation.
