Physical Wellness

Argumentative Teenagers More Likely to Resist Alcohol, Drugs: Study

By Denise Baker | Update Date: Jun 22, 2012 08:03 PM EDT

Many parents get stressed out due to constant arguments with their teen-aged children, and often wish their children were more of the quiet kinds. However, a study has revealed that if teenagers argue a lot, it is a good sign.

A latest study has revealed that teenagers who argue with their parents are more likely to be able to resist drinks and drugs. It is due to the fact that once teens learn to express their opinion, chances are high that they can resist peer pressure.

Researchers have found that argumentative teenagers turn out to be better adults than those who are more docile in nature.

Also, teenagers who often fight verbally with their parents are found to be better in reasoning and skilled in making negotiations. They can learn to be taken more seriously' after some rows with their elders.

The researchers in the U.S. concluded that parents should deliberately try to start rows with their children in order to polish the skills of their kids, even if it does result in an ear-bashing in the short term, says a report in Mail Online.

For the research, researchers from the University of Virginia observed and made audio and video recordings of 150 13-year-olds arguing with their mothers. Three years after that, the teenagers were asked about their experiences of drugs and alcohol and also about their life in general.

The results revealed that teenagers who were confident while arguing with their mothers and those who gave reasons to back up their arguments were more likely to have refused alcohol and drugs as well.

"It turns out that what goes on in the family is actually a training ground for teens in terms of how to negotiate with other people," Joseph Allen, psychology professor at the University of Virginia, and lead author of the study was quoted as saying by Mail Online.

The study suggested that parents, while arguing, should have good reasons to support their argument and should present it moderately, in order to set a good example, rather than getting aggressive, like the teenager might.

The study was published in the Journal Child Development.

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