THE RELATIONAL SYSTEMS MODEL: A CLINICAL THEORY AND NEURO-SYMBOLIC FRAMEWORK FOR EMOTIONS IN ARTIFICIAL GENERAL INTELLIGENCE

As the pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) progresses, a fundamental challenge emerges: How can AGI genuinely simulate human intelligence rather than merely predict human-like responses? This paper introduces the concept of Human Artificial General Intelligence (HAGI), which extends beyond computational analysis to integrate human-like emotional and motivational structures. Central to this approach is the Relational Systems Model, a uniquely comprehensive and systematic psychological framework that defines human emotions as emergent from the biological imperatives - survival and growth. Unlike any existing theory, the Relational Systems Model unifies intrapsychic and interpersonal emotional dynamics into a structured, computationally adaptable system, making it the only psychological model developed capable of providing AGI with a truly human-like emotional framework. In addition, this paper highlights a critical safeguard against AGI becoming harmful: conscientiousness. As demonstrated within the model, conscientiousness naturally arises in psychologically healthy humans as a byproduct of balanced emotional and motivational development. By embedding the Relational Systems Model into AGI or HAGI, it becomes possible to cultivate an artificial intelligence that not only understands human emotions, and responds emotionally as humans do, but also inherently prioritizes ethical decisionmaking and the avoidance of harm. In this way, HAGI -when designed using this model - would develop an intrinsic capacity for emotional self-regulation, empathy, and ethical reasoning, significantly reducing risks associated with AGI autonomy. This paper not only details the theoretical foundations of the Relational Systems Model but also systematically delineates the specific emotional and motivational structures that would need to be coded for a machine to authentically simulate human emotional processing. In doing so, it offers a paradigm shift in the development of emotionally aware and ethically responsible artificial intelligence.