Which statement about puberty and mood is supported by the material?

Which statement about puberty and mood is supported by the material?

• A. Mood fluctuations are caused solely by hormones
• B. Mood is unaffected by experiences
• C. Mood fluctuations are largely due to new experiences
• D. Mood is never influenced by puberty

Answer: (C)

Mood during puberty is shaped by a mix of biology and everyday experiences, and new experiences often drive noticeable mood changes. When teens navigate changing schools, friendships, dating, and greater independence, these fresh contexts trigger emotional responses that can cause mood to swing. That’s why saying mood fluctuations are largely due to new experiences best fits what we see in adolescence—the social and environmental world has a powerful, immediate impact on how mood feels from day to day. Hormones do play a role, but they don’t act alone, and mood isn’t unaffected by experiences. Additionally, puberty-related changes do influence mood, so saying mood is never influenced by puberty misses a real part of the picture.

Mood during puberty is shaped by a mix of biology and everyday experiences, and new experiences often drive noticeable mood changes. When teens navigate changing schools, friendships, dating, and greater independence, these fresh contexts trigger emotional responses that can cause mood to swing. That’s why saying mood fluctuations are largely due to new experiences best fits what we see in adolescence—the social and environmental world has a powerful, immediate impact on how mood feels from day to day. Hormones do play a role, but they don’t act alone, and mood isn’t unaffected by experiences. Additionally, puberty-related changes do influence mood, so saying mood is never influenced by puberty misses a real part of the picture.