Children whose parents argue frequently in front of them have been found
to be at a higher risk of developing depression as teenagers. Research by
Cambridge University found that ‘staying together for the kids’ might not be
the best idea for their mental wellbeing, as experiencing a prolonged period of
arguments (longer than six months) was linked to later instances of depression.
The
study, which involved 238 children aged between 15 and 18, also linked an
increased risk of depression to a gene, explaining that it was a combination of
genetics and early life experiences that shape our emotional response to
events.
Parents' arguments could have a long-reaching impact ©Fotolia
The research has helped experts come up with a test that can predict
children who are more at risk of developing depression, and ideally prevent its
onset.
Co-author of the report Professor Barbara Sahakian said: “If you are
staying together for the sake of the family, then fighting and arguing in front
of the kids is not good. It would be better for them not to have that kind of
environment.”
Professor Ian Goodyer, who also worked on the study, added: “Whether we
succumb to anxiety and depression depends in part on our tendencies to think
well or poorly of ourselves at troubled times.
“How it comes about that some
people see the glass half full and think positively, whereas others see the
glass half empty and think negatively about themselves at times of stress is
not known.
The evidence is that our genes and early childhood experiences
contribute.”
Yahoo Lifesyle
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