AI-driven psychological and cognitive decision processes in professional practice: a systematic review using music teachers as an instrumental case

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly entering professional practice, raising questions about how professionals interpret algorithmic authority, protect judgment autonomy, and negotiate human, AI boundaries. This systematic review uses music teachers as an instrumental case to examine AI-related psychological responses, cognitive appraisals, and professional decisions in a judgment-intensive and emotionally involved educational context. Following PRISMA 2020, 20 studies published from 2023 onwards were synthesized through thematic synthesis, directed content analysis, and higher-order evidence-to-theme mapping. MMAT 2018 was used for quality appraisal, with evidence-tiering applied to classify evidence strength. The synthesis identified four interrelated psychological, cognitive, professional decision pathways: professional boundaries and retention of judgment authority, learning-process regulation and critical engagement, adaptive co-creation and professional capacity reconstruction, and risk perception with bounded adoption. Across these pathways, music teachers did not simply accept or reject AI; rather, they selectively integrated AI by weighing technological convenience, pedagogical value, professional responsibility, and risks to student agency or cultural interpretation. A further synthesis showed that the depth and mode of AI adoption were jointly shaped by individual capability, organizational environment, and technological characteristics. The review suggests that AI training for music teachers should move beyond tool operation toward judgment-oriented preparation, including task-suitability evaluation, output review, critical-use pedagogy, and ethical guidance. For psychology-related professions, the findings should be treated as hypothesis-generating propositions rather than direct clinical recommendations, because psychological service contexts involve higher ethical responsibility, decision-making risk, and professional accountability.