It's good to argue: Teenagers more likely to resist drink and drugs if they row with their parents

• Teens who learn to express their opinions are better able to resist peer pressure, study finds
  

By Daniel Bates

PUBLISHED: 11:02 EST, 19 June 2012 | UPDATED: 18:14 EST, 19 June 2012

It is the kind of thing most parents try their best to avoid.

But it seems that starting a row with a teenager could do them the world of good.

Argumentative teenagers fare better in adulthood than those who are more placid, researchers have found.

Arguing gives teenagers confidence and negotiating skills

Those who regularly fight verbally with their parents cope better with peer pressure and are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.

They are also more skilled negotiators and can 'learn to be taken more seriously' after some verbal jousting with their elders.

The U.S. researchers concluded  parents should consider actively starting rows with their teenagers just to hone their youngsters' skills – even if it does result in an ear-bashing in the short term.

Scientists from the University of Virginia observed and made audio and video recordings of 150  13-year-olds arguing with their mothers.

They then quizzed the teenagers three years later about their lives and experiences with drugs and alcohol.

Teenagers who displayed confidence and used reason to back up their statements in the arguments were more likely to have refused both, the researchers found.

University of Virginia psychology professor Joseph Allen, lead author of the study, said the connection between resisting peer pressure and a teenager's ability to argue was 'surprising'.

He added: '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.'

Joanna Chango, a clinical psychology graduate working on the study, said that although it seemed 'counterintuitive' to tell parents to let their teens argue with them, it was worth considering.

The study, published in the Child Development journal, did say that parents should have 'good reasons presented in a moderate way' during the row so they can set a good example, instead of slamming doors like the teenager might.