Parents often stay together because they believe it is best for their children. But according to researcher Johanna Terävä, a relationship marked by constant conflict may be more damaging for children than separating.

Terävä’s point is that the key issue is not only whether parents remain under the same roof, but what everyday life feels like for the child. When arguments are frequent, the sense of safety and predictability at home can weaken.

The issue matters because many families struggle with the same dilemma: whether divorce is worse than an unhappy relationship. Terävä’s view highlights that prolonged tension can also leave children exposed to stress, even if the family stays formally intact.