What may explain why teens sometimes react very emotionally?

Teens often react very emotionally due to the heightened activity of the amygdala, which is a key brain structure involved in processing emotions. The amygdala is responsible for the rapid assessment of emotional stimuli, which can result in quick and intense emotional reactions. During adolescence, the development of the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and rational thought, is still in progress. This means that while the amygdala is fully responsive, the regulation of emotional responses by the prefrontal cortex is not yet fully operational.

This imbalance can lead to experiences where emotions take precedence over logical thinking, which explains why teens may react more strongly than adults in similar situations. In conjunction with developing cognitive frameworks and navigating social environments, emotional responses can be magnified during the teenage years. Understanding this biological basis helps explain the emotional intensity often observed in teens.