What is the study of the mind and mental processes in relation to human behavior called?

The study of the mind and mental processes in relation to human behavior is called psychology. Psychology encompasses various aspects of human experience, including emotional, cognitive, and social factors, as well as how these influence behavior. It aims to understand individuals and groups through a scientific lens, employing research methods to explore phenomena such as perception, cognition, motivation, personality, and interpersonal relationships.

While practicing clinical activities is part of psychiatry, which focuses primarily on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, it is more concerned with medicine and therapies than the broader understanding of mental processes. Sociology investigates social behavior and structures, making it less focused on individual mental processes. Neuroscience examines the biological basis of behavior and mental functions but operates at a more physiological level, investigating brain function rather than the overarching psychological principles that govern human behavior. Hence, psychology is the most accurate term for this study.