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What does the evidence tell us about the impact of parental conflict on children?

The Reducing Parental Conflict Hub is moving. From the end of July 2023, this hub will be available via foundations.org.uk.

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.

  • Report
  • 2017
  • EIF

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.

  • Webpage
  • 2022
  • National Centre for FamilyHubs

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

  • Tool
  • 2020
  • EIF

Reducing parental conflict: Outcomes framework

Introducing our updated outcomes framework that highlights what risk factors can influence interparental conflict and, ultimately, affect child outcomes.

  • Videos
  • 2020
  • OPO/GTF

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.

  • Report
  • 2017
  • EIF

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

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