Final answer:
True. Research indicates that major conflicts are not widespread, and the common belief in the impulsiveness of adolescents is not clearly supported. Emerging adulthood is a time of increased independence and identity exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that extreme turmoil and unhappiness during adolescence is the exception, not the rule, is generally true. While the period of adolescence can indeed have its challenges due to varying developmental changes, major conflicts and extended periods of severe distress are not the norm for most teenagers. The relatively minor conflicts that do arise often pertain to daily matters such as homework, curfews, and chores, and these tend to decrease as adolescents grow older. Moreover, the notion of teens being innately impulsive or prone to risk-taking has been somewhat challenged by research which suggests that while there is brain activity in the reward center when taking risks, impulsivity and risk perception are not correlated with brain activity in this area. Consequently, while adolescents might exhibit some behavior that seems risky, it is not necessarily due to impulsive tendencies more than other age groups.
Emerging adulthood follows adolescence and is characterized as a time of identity exploration and increased independence, often with a focus on career and relationships. Despite some common misconceptions, the majority of teenagers maintain positive relationships with their parents, with many reporting feelings of warmth towards them, which are associated with positive outcomes such as better grades and fewer behavior problems at school.