Psychological vs. Mental — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
Psychological pertains to the mind and behavior in relation to feelings and thoughts, whereas mental refers broadly to processes related to the mind, often linked to cognitive functions.
Difference Between Psychological and Mental
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Psychological aspects focus on behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes in specific contexts like therapy or psychological research, whereas mental refers more generally to anything pertaining to the mind, including intellectual capabilities and brain functions.
Psychological health typically deals with emotional and behavioral stability and the impact on personal and social well-being, whereas mental health covers a broader spectrum including psychological aspects but also emphasizing cognitive and brain health.
Psychological studies often explore the interplay between environment, social factors, and individual behavior, whereas mental studies might focus more on neurological or biological components of brain function.
Psychological methods often include therapeutic and counseling techniques aimed at understanding human behavior, whereas mental approaches can include medical treatments that address brain chemistry and function.
Psychological evaluations are commonly used in clinical settings to diagnose behavioral and emotional disorders, whereas mental evaluations might be broader, including assessments of cognitive impairments and overall brain health.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Behavior, emotions, social interactions
Brain function, cognitive processes
Health Concerns
Emotional stability, behavioral disorders
Brain health, cognitive disorders
Study Methods
Observational studies, psychotherapy
Neurological tests, cognitive assessments
Common Evaluations
Psychological assessments (e.g., for depression)
Mental assessments (e.g., IQ tests)
Application in Therapy
Used to modify behavior and improve emotional health
Used to manage and treat brain diseases
Compare with Definitions
Psychological
Pertaining to psychology as a field of study.
She pursued a degree in psychological sciences.
Mental
Concerned with the internal workings of the mind rather than external behavior.
Mental introspection can lead to personal growth.
Psychological
Associated with mental health from a behavioral and emotional perspective.
Psychological counseling helps in dealing with stress and anxiety.
Mental
Pertaining to disorders or diseases of the mind.
Mental health awareness is important to reduce stigma.
Psychological
Concerning the use of psychological tactics or approaches.
The advertisement uses psychological strategies to influence consumers.
Mental
Referring to cognitive functions like memory and concentration.
He exercises to improve his mental capacity.
Psychological
Relating to the mind or mental processes, especially in the context of emotions and behavior.
Psychological research often involves studying human behavior in controlled environments.
Mental
Of or relating to the mind or an intellectual process.
Solving puzzles is a good mental exercise.
Psychological
Involving the mental and emotional state of a person.
Psychological well-being is crucial for overall health.
Mental
Involving the process of thinking or reasoning.
This game requires sharp mental acuity.
Psychological
Of, affecting, or arising in the mind; related to the mental and emotional state of a person
The victim had sustained physical and psychological damage
Mental
Relating to the mind
Mental faculties
Mental phenomena
Psychological
Of or relating to psychology
Psychological research.
Mental
Relating to disorders of the mind
A mental hospital
Psychological
Of, relating to, or arising from the mind or emotions.
Mental
Of or relating to the mind
Mental powers.
Mental health.
Psychological
Influencing or intended to influence the mind or emotions
Psychological warfare.
Mental
Executed or performed by the mind; existing in the mind
Mental calculation.
A mental image.
Psychological
Of or being any of certain primary colors whose mixture may be subjectively conceived as producing other colors.
Mental
(Slang) Emotionally upset; crazed
Got mental when he saw the dent in his new car.
Psychological
Of or pertaining to psychology.
An inkblot test is a method of psychological evaluation.
Mental
Offensive Slang Having a mental illness or intellectual disability.
Psychological
Relating to the mind and behavior or to the mental, emotional, and behavioral characteristics pertaining to a specified person, group, or activity.
I'm concerned about their psychological well-being.
The film was a dark psychological thriller.
Mental
Often Offensive Relating to or being a place for housing or treating people with mental illness or intellectual disability
A mental ward.
Psychological
Without an objective, or reasonably logical foundation.
Prices seem to have stopped rising, having hit the psychological ceiling of just under 100 dollars.
Mental
Of or relating to the chin.
Psychological
Mental or emotional as opposed to physical in nature;
Give psychological support
Psychological warfare
Mental
(relational) Of or relating to the mind or specifically the total emotional and intellectual response of an individual to external reality.
Psychological
Of or relating to or determined by psychology;
Psychological theories
Mental
Of or relating to intellectual as contrasted with emotional activity.
Mental acuity
Mental
Of, relating to, or being intellectual as contrasted with overt physical activity.
Mental
Occurring or experienced in the mind.
Mental
Relating to the mind, its activity, or its products as an object of study.
Mental science
Mental
Relating to spirit or idea as opposed to matter.
The distinction between physical things and mental ideas
Mental
Of, relating to, or affected by a psychiatric disorder.
A mental patient
Mental
(relational) Intended for the care or treatment of persons affected by psychiatric disorders.
Mental hospitals
Mental
Mentally disordered; insane, mad, crazy.
He is the most mental freshman I've seen yet.
He went mental on us.
Mental
Enjoyable or fun, especially in a frenetic way.
That was a mental party last night.
Mental
Of or relating to telepathic or mind-reading powers.
Mental telepathy
Mental
Of or relating to the chin or median part of the lower jaw, genial.
The mental nerve, the mental region
Mental
Of or relating to the chinlike or liplike structure.
Mental
(zootomy) A plate or scale covering the mentum or chin of a fish or reptile.
Mental
Of or pertaining to the chin; genian; as, the mental nerve; the mental region.
Mental
Of or pertaining to the mind; intellectual; as, mental faculties; mental operations, conditions, or exercise.
What a mental powerThis eye shoots forth!
Mental
A plate or scale covering the mentum or chin of a fish or reptile.
Mental
Involving the mind or an intellectual process;
Mental images of happy times
Mental calculations
In a terrible mental state
Mental suffering
Free from mental defects
Mental
Of or relating to the mind;
Mental powers
Mental development
Mental hygiene
Mental
Of or relating to the chin- or lip-like structure in insects and certain mollusks
Mental
Of or relating to the chin or median part of the lower jaw
Mental
Affected by a disorder of the mind;
A mental patient
Mental illness
Common Curiosities
What is the main focus of psychological studies?
Psychological studies primarily focus on understanding human behavior, emotions, and social interactions.
How does mental health differ from psychological health?
Mental health is a broader term that includes psychological health but also covers cognitive and brain health.
What are typical psychological evaluations?
Psychological evaluations often include assessments designed to diagnose emotional and behavioral disorders.
Is psychology considered a part of mental health?
Yes, psychology is a critical component of mental health, focusing on the emotional and behavioral aspects.
Can psychological methods be used to treat mental health issues?
Yes, psychological methods, such as therapy, are widely used to treat a variety of mental health issues.
What do mental evaluations typically assess?
Mental evaluations broadly assess cognitive abilities and brain function, including IQ tests and memory tests.
Can mental capacity be improved?
Yes, mental capacity can be improved through activities that challenge cognitive functions, such as learning new skills or engaging in mental exercises.
Are psychological issues always mental health issues?
Most psychological issues are considered under the umbrella of mental health, though they specifically relate to emotional and behavioral aspects.
What role does environment play in psychological health?
Environment plays a significant role in psychological health by influencing behavior and emotional well-being.
What is the difference between a psychological disorder and a mental disorder?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but psychological disorders specifically focus on behavioral and emotional issues.
How are mental diseases diagnosed?
Mental diseases are diagnosed through a combination of medical and psychological assessments to understand the neurological and cognitive state.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
