In Adam Bede, the exploration of the characters' psyches is extensive. The novel presents the psychological complexity of human nature. For instance, Dinah, with her strong religious beliefs, has an internal world that is shaped by her faith. The way her beliefs interact with her feelings for Adam and her reactions to the events around her, such as Hetty's situation, all contribute to the psychological depth of the novel. It's not just about the external events but how the characters think, feel, and change internally that makes it a psychological novel.
Adam Bede can be seen as a psychological novel because it shows the psychological development of the characters. Adam, at the start, is a proud and somewhat stubborn man. But as the story progresses, his experiences, especially his love for Hetty and her actions, change him. We see his internal struggle, his pain, and his growth which are key elements of a psychological novel.