Strong scientific evidence shows that conflict between parents can affect multiple outcomes for children, including emotional, behavioural, social and academic development. Parents in poverty or under economic pressure are more likely to experience relationship conflict, which can be explained by the Family Stress Model. According to the latest DWP estimates, 12% of all children and 21% of children in workless families have parents in a distressed relationship. We have collaborated with Professor Gordon Harold and his team at the University of Sussex on a number of pioneering evidence reviews.
What works to enhance interparental relationships and improve outcomes for children?
Groundbreaking 'what works' review of the scientific evidence on how interparental relationships affects outcomes for children, and the interventions designed to address this.
Reducing Parental Conflict Toolkit
A toolkit that provides resources on how Family Hubs can support the delivery of effective relationship support to reduce parental conflict
Reducing parental conflict: Outcomes framework
Introducing our updated outcomes framework that highlights what risk factors can influence interparental conflict and, ultimately, affect child outcomes.
See It Differently
Watch these short videos to understand new ways of managing conflict and changing how things play out in the household - potentially leading to healthier and happier outcomes for everyone, including children.
Interparental conflict and outcomes for children in contexts of poverty and economic pressure
A comprehensive review of the evidence on how poverty and econonmic pressure affect interparental relationships and child outcomes, including the interventions for families in or at risk of poverty.
Other resources
What roles does the interparental relationship play in supporting positive child development in the early years and enhancing outcomes in later life? (Action for Children)
Family Stress Model
Analysis and research pack - Improving Lives: Helping Workless Families (DWP)
Parental Conflict, the impact on children and how local authorities can help (IU/OPO)