According to research conducted by the University College London, children who come from broken homes are three times more likely to experience severe mental health problems.

 

The Millennium Cohort Study, which looked at more than 10,000 11-year-olds in the UK, found that nearly 7% of children living with both biological parents suffered from mental health problems, compared to some 15% with a single parent and 18.1% living with step-families.

 

The most common issues reported included behaviour and hyperactivity problems, as well as tantrums and fights.  

 

"It is not known from the information available to us why children living with both their parents are less likely to have mental health problems at age 11, but there are likely to be a range of reasons," Andy Bell, chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health told The Telegraph

 

 

“We know that incomes are an important factor and children from the poorest families are four times as likely to have mental health problems as those from the wealthiest households. Stress and distress among parents may also be an important factor putting children at risk.”

 

Commenting on the research, Norma Wells from the Family Education Trust said that the study adds to "a mountain of evidence" of the importance of family stability. 

 

"The fact that a growing number of children lack the advantages of being raised by both their biological parents in a stable family unit is not something we can afford to be complacent about," he said.

 

"In an age that places great emphasis on personal fulfillment at all costs, this study is a salutary reminder that the personal choices we make can have a lasting impact on others and especially on our children," he added.

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