Bad moods are contagious for teenagers, research finds

TEENAGERS are often criticised for their mood swings, but it turns out they may not be entirely to blame.

Adolescents can in fact “catch” moods from their friends – and the bad ones are most contagious, according to research by Oxford University.

Scientists analysed the emotional patterns of 79 pupils aged between 15 and 19 who were taking part in a classical music concert tour.

They found that the teenagers who spent more time with each other began to assimilate each other’s moods, with bad moods being the most “infectious”.

This means teenagers may inadvertently switch moods with their friends during interaction, the researchers said.

While someone in a positive mood may feel deflated if their friend is in a negative mood, their cheerfulness may rub off on their pal.

Previous studies have found that good moods are more contagious than bad, and that bad moods are associated with social withdrawal. However, this study indicates that someone who is often in a bad mood will not necessarily be less popular among their peers in the short term, as “most people” are willing to socialise with someone who is feeling low.

Dr Per Block, from Oxford’s Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, said: “Our study shows conclusively that individuals are affected by how others around them are feeling. Mood is contagious, and though both positive and negative moods are ‘caught’, bad moods are more potent.

“What makes our study special is that by having people in a group with few external influences we could see who interacted with whom and how that made others feel.

“We hope it is a step towards understanding why people fall into prolonged low states, the social factors that determine emotional well-being in adolescents, and how it may be possible to provide emotional support leading to improved mental health.”

The study was published by the American Psychological Association.