But scientists argue that changing moods - as seen in sulking teenagers, grumpy spouses², or bad-tempered³ parents - serve an important purpose.

 

Rather than being a weakness, they are nature's way to of helping⁴ us adapt to an ever changing world. So when times are good and spirits are high, we take more risks at a time they are likely to be rewarded.

 

And when times are tough, sulking can help us conserve⁵ our energy.

 

To take a human example, a stock market trader who makes a successful deal becomes more optimistic about the outcome of his next transaction.

 

He is then likely to take more risks - as he becomes more optimistic things will go in his or her favour.

 

The increase in risk taking allows him to make maximum gains at a time when risk taking is most likely to pay off.

 

This holds true when a variety of different events have an underlying⁶ connection, the authors argue.

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