Sálfræðilegur

Sálfræðilegur is an Icelandic adjective meaning “psychological,” i.e., relating to psychology, the scientific study of mind and behavior. It is formed from the noun sálfræði (psychology) and the suffix -legur, which denotes pertaining to. The term is used to describe processes, phenomena, theories, assessments, and interventions connected to psychology. Common usages include sálfræðilegar rannsóknir (psychological research), sálfræðilegar prófanir (psychological tests), and sálfræðilegt ástand (psychological state).

In Icelandic, sálfræðilegur inflects like other -legur adjectives, changing form to agree with gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. The neuter singular form is sálfræðilegt, as in sálfræðilegt ástand, while other forms adapt in plural and definite constructions. The word is primarily employed in academic, clinical, and educational contexts to denote aspects that pertain specifically to psychology, as opposed to broader or non-scientific notions of mind or behavior.

Related terms include sálfræði (psychology) and, in broader discussion, phrases that describe mental processes or behavior without the technical emphasis of psychological study. Sálfræðilegur thus functions as the standard Icelandic term for anything associated with psychology.