HHS HealthBeat (June 12, 2009)

The effect of the fights

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Arguing in front of the kids could leave lasting damage. Helen Reinherz of Simmons College in Boston found that in data on events that can influence mental health.

[Helen Reinherz speaks] "Verbal conflicts and arguments experienced in the home by 15-year-olds had lasting impact when they were 30-year-old adults."

They were more likely to have major depression, alcohol or drug problems, and less satisfaction with their lives in general.

She says families with fights shouldn’t just accept fighting – and should get help

The study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry was supported by the National Institutes of Health and HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 7, 2011