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A large multinational study of irritability in adolescents
Jamilah Silver1,2, Ellen Leibenluft3, Wan-Ling Tseng4
1Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Adolescent irritability is consistently reported across nine countries, with females experiencing it more frequently. While linked to depression, its association with bullying and life satisfaction varies globally, highlighting the need for international mental health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Global Mental Health
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Irritability in adolescents is linked to poor psychosocial functioning and increased mental health service utilization.
- Previous research on adolescent irritability has been limited, primarily focusing on the US and UK.
- A global perspective is needed to understand the diverse presentations of irritability among adolescents worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-national prevalence and correlates of adolescent irritability.
- To examine gender differences in irritability among adolescents across diverse countries.
- To explore the associations between irritability, mental health symptoms, bullying, life satisfaction, and socioeconomic status.
Main Methods:
- Utilized linear mixed-effects models to analyze data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
- Included a large sample of 56,324 adolescents (50.5% females) from nine countries.
- Analyzed self-report data on irritability, mental health symptoms, bullying, life satisfaction, and socioeconomic status.
Main Results:
- Adolescent irritability showed consistent prevalence across the nine countries, with approximately 10% reporting daily irritability.
- Females reported higher levels of irritability compared to males.
- Irritability was positively correlated with depression symptoms, but associations with life satisfaction and bullying varied significantly by country, with no link to socioeconomic status.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent irritability presents consistently across diverse national samples, indicating a universal phenomenon.
- Country-specific factors significantly influence the relationships between irritability, bullying, and life satisfaction.
- Global mental health initiatives are crucial for effectively addressing adolescent irritability worldwide.
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