How parents argue matters more to children than whether they stay together
A review of interparental conflict and child mental health, with practice implications
Reviewed by Sian Trombley, CCCFounder, Thrive Family Company
Strong confidence
Source citation
Harold G. T., Sellers R. (2018). Annual Research Review: Interparental conflict and youth psychopathology: an evidence review and practice focused update. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12893
Published 1 January 2018 · Added to Thrive 26 July 2026 · Reviewed 26 July 2026
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Separating parents ask whether staying together is better for the children. The evidence keeps pointing at conflict, not structure.
Published research findings
The study
Harold and Sellers reviewed evidence linking interparental conflict with child and adolescent mental health across family structures.
What researchers examined
Whether family structure or the quality and resolution of conflict better predicted child outcomes.
What they found
Frequent, intense and unresolved conflict — particularly conflict about the child — predicted emotional and behavioural difficulties, regardless of whether parents were together, separated or never partnered.
Thrive editorial interpretation
What this may mean for families
Reducing hostility and letting children see resolution protects them more than preserving a household.
What this doesn't tell us
Important limitations
Largely observational; families differ in many ways beyond conflict.
Evidence confidence describes how much weight this study's design can carry — not how strongly the finding applies to any individual child or family.
Therapist perspective — Thrive interpretation, not a finding of the study
Therapist Perspective
Children do not need to see perfect parents. They need to see a disagreement that ends.
Practical family considerations
Let children see repair, not just conflict.
This research summary is educational and does not replace individualized medical, psychological or therapeutic advice.
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