Is It Better For Children If Arguing Parents Separate Rather Than Stay In A Hostile Relationship?

KYW's Medical Report Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Is it better for the children if arguing parents separate rather than stay in a hostile relationship?

As in many cases when there are difficult questions, the answers can be found by looking at research in the area. One of the best studies is from the University of Virginia which has some interesting observations: parents' fighting likely doesn't cause children's behavioral problems such as skipping school, lying, shoplifting, or bullying.

This report looked at over 1,000 identical and fraternal twins and more than 2,000 of their children.  They found that parents who argued passed on genes that influence whether or not the children will argue and get into disruptive relationships indicating that children may end up in similar relationships years later. This brings up the nature versus nurture argument. Just how much of our personality is genetically predetermined and how much is influenced by our environment.