Which of the following is true of emotions?

• A. Emotions are solely determined by genetic factors and are not influenced by environmental or social contexts.
• B. Emotions are complex psychological states that involve subjective experience, physiological response, and behavioral expression.
• C. Emotions are always consciously experienced and never occur without awareness.
• D. Emotions do not affect decision-making or cognitive processes.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of emotions by recognizing that they are multifaceted psychological phenomena, not just simple reactions or fixed traits.
2. Step 2: Identify the three core components of emotions: subjective experience (how we feel internally), physiological responses (bodily changes like heart rate), and behavioral expressions (observable actions like facial expressions).
3. Step 3: Evaluate the role of genetics versus environment by acknowledging that while genetics can influence emotional tendencies, environmental and social contexts also play a significant role in shaping emotional experiences.
4. Step 4: Consider the awareness aspect of emotions, noting that emotions can sometimes occur without full conscious awareness, such as subconscious emotional responses.
5. Step 5: Recognize the impact of emotions on cognitive processes and decision-making, understanding that emotions often influence how we think, reason, and make choices.