Parents arguing may lead to children having academic problems Children who blame themselves for their parents' relationship difficulties are more likely to have academic problems, Cardiff University research has found.
Psychologists involved will now survey 3,500 parents, children and teachers in Wales to discover why pupils whose parents argue under-perform in school.
Gordon Harold, who led the research, has also been asked to advise ministers on child welfare policy.
Children's charity NSPCC said it was happy the issue had been recognised.
In a series of studies, Dr Harold and his team found that children adapted differently to parental conflict, depending on how they understood it.
In particular, self-blame had an effect on a child's Key Stage 3 test results at age 11 to 14.
Dr Harold has now been asked to advise on child welfare policy by both the Welsh Assembly Government and the Home Office in the light of the research.
His all-Wales study will be funded by the children's strategy division of the assembly government.