A novel exploration of irritability in adolescent males: A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Irritability is a key symptom of mood disorders and is common in adolescence; nevertheless, it is poorly understood and assessed. Research examining irritability and its relationship to mood and anxiety disorders risk factors in adolescent males is lacking. Therefore, the current study aimed to address this gap. METHOD: An online survey designed to interrogate the relationship between irritability and other risk factor variables was administered to 627 adolescent males (ages 12-17). Findings were analysed statistically using MANOVAs. RESULTS: When divided into high and low irritability groups, higher irritability scores were significantly correlated with higher scores on all risk factor variables. Further, higher irritability scores were associated with higher scores on all variables that indicate an increased risk for development of psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to focus on subjective irritability. In adolescent males, it identifies a potentially novel model of irritability's involvement in maladaptive processes relating to emotional dysregulation, behavioural difficulties and anxiety.

Social referencing "Mr. Yuk": the use of emotion in a poison prevention program.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether disgust, the emotion depicted on poison control "Mr. Yuk" stickers, conveys an age-appropriate message to young children. METHODS: Two preliminary studies (both N = 48) were conducted with adults to assess what facial expressions of emotion they associated with child and adult violations of precautionary rules. Subsequently, 20 3-year-olds and 35 4-year-olds were tested on age-appropriate scenarios to determine what facial expressions of emotion they associate with accidental poisonings. RESULTS: Adults associated violations of precautionary rules, regardless of whether they involved children or adults and physical injury or accidental poisonings, with facial expressions of fear, not disgust. The study conducted with children indicated that they likewise anticipated facial expressions of fear in response to accidental poisonings. CONCLUSIONS: The disgust displayed on Mr. Yuk stickers does not appear to convey a valid emotional message, regardless of whether the stickers are used for preventive or educational purposes.