Psychology and Weather Reading Comprehension

Read the text about psychology and answer the questions.

(1) A recent study shows that out of the many factors affecting people's moods, such as weather conditions, people's social lives, eating habits, daily routines, and sleep quality, play a more dominant role. This stems mainly from the fact that the release of serotonin, a hormone affecting happiness, is closely related to the weather outside.

(2) According to the study, more serotonin is released in sunny and bright weather, which increases happiness and energy. On the contrary, low level or lack of serotonin which occurs in cloudy and gloomy weather makes people feel moody and lazy.

(3) The study sheds light on the relationship between climate and psychology. People living in the northern countries close to the Arctic, where the winter is too cold and long, tend more to suffer from winter depression, while people living in areas with mild climate tend to feel more joyful and energetic.

(4) On the other hand, there are other scientists focusing on whether it is possible to remove the negative effects of weather conditions or not. A recently published article says that it is impossible to remove them completely, but people can control and adapt to them. Psychologists advise people to have a balanced sleep, have breakfast regularly, take exercise, and take up new hobbies in order to minimize the negative effects of weather conditions.

E.g. What are the main causes affecting people's moods and emotions?

Answer: Weather conditions, social lives, eating habits, daily routines, and sleep quality.

1 How is the weather related to people's moods?

2 How does cloudy and gloomy weather make people feel?

3 What type of weather makes people happy and energetic?

4 What is the finding related to the relationship between climate and moods?

5 What should people do to reduce the negative effects of weather conditions?