What is the primary goal of clinical psychology?

The primary goal of clinical psychology is to define, explain, and treat abnormal behavior. This field focuses on understanding mental health disorders, their causes, and their impacts on individuals. By diagnosing psychological conditions and providing appropriate interventions, clinical psychologists aim to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for those experiencing mental health issues. Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, assessments, and treatment plans, clinical psychologists work to help clients lead more fulfilling lives.

The other options reflect important areas of psychology, but they do not encompass the main objective of clinical psychology. Studying social behavior pertains more to social psychology and understanding group dynamics. Understanding cognitive processes relates to cognitive psychology, which examines mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving. Analyzing evolutionary processes falls under evolutionary psychology, focusing on how evolutionary principles influence behavior over time. While these areas contribute to the broader field of psychology, they do not specifically target the treatment and understanding of abnormal behavior as clinical psychology does.