Physical vs. Psychical — What's the Difference?

Relating to things perceptible through the senses.

Involving mental or psychic phenomena not explained by physical laws.

Concerning the laws of nature and the universe.

Concerning mental activities or the unconscious mind.

Pertaining to the body or material objects.

Subjective and often assessed indirectly.

Involving natural and scientific phenomena of the material world.

Pertaining to the mind or psychological processes.

Measurable and observable.

Relating to the soul or the psyche.

Relating to the body as opposed to the mind

Another term for psychic (sense 1 of the adjective)

Relating to things perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind; tangible or concrete

Performed by or pertaining to the psyche (the mind, spirit, or both): mental, psychic.

Relating to physics or the operation of natural forces generally

(theology) Pertaining to the animal nature of man, as opposed to the spirit.

A medical examination to determine a person's bodily fitness

Outside the realm of the physical; supernatural, psychic.

Stocks held in actual commodities for immediate exchange, for example as opposed to futures

Affecting or influenced by the human mind;

Of or relating to the body.

Pertaining to forces or mental processes outside the possibilities defined by natural or scientific laws;

Having a physiological basis or origin

Outside the sphere of physical science;

Involving or characterized by vigorous or forceful bodily activity

(Slang) Involving or characterized by violence

Of or relating to material things

Of or relating to matter and energy or the sciences dealing with them, especially physics.

A physical examination.

Of medicine.

(obsolete) Pertaining to the field of medicine; medical.

(obsolete) That practises medicine; pertaining to doctors, physicianly.

(obsolete) Medicinal; good for the health, curative, therapeutic.

Of matter or nature.

Pertaining to the world as understood through the senses rather than the mind; tangible, concrete; having to do with the material world.

In accordance with the laws of nature; now specifically, pertaining to physics.

Denoting a map showing natural features of the landscape (compare political).

Of the human body.

Having to do with the body as opposed to the mind; corporeal, bodily.

Involving bodily force or contact; vigorous, aggressive.

Physical examination.

(parapsychology) A physical manifestation of psychic origin, as through ectoplasmic solidification.

Of or pertaining to nature (as including all created existences); in accordance with the laws of nature; also, of or relating to natural or material things, or to the bodily structure, as opposed to things mental, moral, spiritual, or imaginary; material; natural; as, armies and navies are the physical force of a nation; the body is the physical part of man.

Of or pertaining to physics, or natural philosophy; treating of, or relating to, the causes and connections of natural phenomena; as, physical science; physical laws.

Perceptible through a bodily or material organization; cognizable by the senses; external; as, the physical, opposed to chemical, characters of a mineral.

Of or pertaining to physic, or the art of medicine; medicinal; curative; healing; also, cathartic; purgative.

Involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit;

Relating to the sciences dealing with matter and energy; especially physics;

Having substance or material existence; perceptible to the senses;

According with material things or natural laws (other than those peculiar to living matter);

Characterized by energetic bodily activity;

Concerned with material things;

Impelled by physical force especially against resistance;

Examples include mass, density, conductivity, and temperature.

Psychical health is maintained through practices like counseling, meditation, stress management, and ensuring a supportive social environment.

Yes, physical conditions can affect mental states, and mental states can influence physical health, reflecting a bidirectional influence.

In science, physical means relating to the material world, especially as understood through physical laws like those of physics and chemistry.

Physical diseases can lead to psychological strain, affecting mental health through stress, anxiety, and changes in self-perception.

Yes, psychic abilities like extrasensory perception are considered under psychical studies, particularly in parapsychology.

Physical therapies involve direct interventions on the body, like massage and exercise, while psychological therapies involve mental and emotional techniques, such as psychotherapy and counseling.

Psychical phenomena are studied through psychology and parapsychology using methods such as case studies, experiments, and psychoanalytic techniques.

The physical environment can significantly impact psychical development by affecting mood, stress levels, and cognitive function.

Psychical research, especially that involving paranormal claims, often faces skepticism, but it is still a legitimate area of inquiry in psychology and parapsychology.