A psychological novel is a literary genre that focuses on the internal experiences and motivations of its characters, often exploring complex psychological themes such as memory, perception, and identity. This genre typically places a greater emphasis on character development and psychological depth than on plot or action. While the stream of consciousness technique may be used in a psychological novel, it is not a defining characteristic of the genre.
On the other hand, a stream of consciousness novel is a literary work that uses the stream of consciousness technique to depict the unfiltered and often disjointed thoughts and emotions of a character. This technique aims to provide the reader with a direct view into the character's inner world, creating a more intimate and immersive reading experience. While psychological themes may be present in a stream of consciousness novel, the emphasis is on the technique itself rather than on the exploration of psychological themes.