According to psychological research on emotion, which of the following best explains why teenagers often experience mood swings?

• A. Teenagers have fully developed prefrontal cortexes, leading to stable emotions.
• B. Mood swings in teenagers are primarily caused by a lack of sleep alone.
• C. Hormonal changes during adolescence can affect brain chemistry and emotional regulation.
• D. Teenagers experience fewer social pressures than adults, resulting in more emotional stability.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the prefrontal cortex in emotional regulation. Note that the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed in teenagers, which affects their ability to regulate emotions effectively.
2. Recognize that hormonal changes during adolescence significantly impact brain chemistry, influencing mood and emotional responses.
3. Consider how these hormonal fluctuations interact with the still-developing brain regions responsible for controlling emotions, leading to increased mood variability.
4. Evaluate other factors such as sleep and social pressures, but understand that while they may contribute, they are not the primary cause of mood swings in teenagers.
5. Conclude that the best explanation for teenage mood swings is the hormonal changes during adolescence affecting brain chemistry and emotional regulation.