What are the key findings of the study on adolescent irritability?

The study found that while irritability is nearly universal among 15-16 year olds across 9 countries, the frequency of this emotion varies greatly, with Irish teens reporting lower rates compared to peers in Bulgaria and the UAE.

How does adolescent irritability relate to mental health risks?

The research highlights that irritability in adolescence can be a potential marker for lasting negative outcomes, including psychiatric, educational, and social issues that may persist into adulthood.

Which countries were included in the study on adolescent irritability?

The study surveyed over 56,000 adolescents aged 15-16 in China, Mexico, Spain, Ireland, Bulgaria, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries.

Home / Health / Study Finds Adolescent Irritability Levels Differ Greatly Worldwide

Study Finds Adolescent Irritability Levels Differ Greatly Worldwide

3 Aug

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Summary

Irritability nearly universal among 15-16 year olds in 9 countries
Irish teens report lower irritability rates than Bulgaria and UAE
Irritability linked to mental health issues, bullying, and life satisfaction

According to a study conducted in 2025, irritability levels among adolescents aged 15-16 differ significantly across different countries. The research, which surveyed over 56,000 young people in 9 nations including China, Mexico, and Spain, found that while irritability is nearly a universal experience during this stage of life, the frequency of this emotion varies greatly.

Just under 7% of Irish teenagers reported feeling irritable every day, roughly half the rate seen in Bulgaria and the United Arab Emirates, where adolescents exhibited the highest levels of irritability. Around 10% of Irish teens felt irritable more than once a week, while 36% said they rarely or never experienced the emotion.

The study, led by a team of researchers from institutions like Yale University and Ulster University, highlights the importance of monitoring adolescent irritability as a potential indicator of mental health risks. In recent years, irritability has been increasingly linked to lasting negative outcomes, including psychiatric, educational, and social issues that may continue into adulthood.

The findings also compared levels of life satisfaction, revealing that Irish adolescents reported higher satisfaction with their lives than their peers in China and the UAE, but lower than those in Mexico and Panama.

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