© AlamyTrouble ahead? The researchers from Cambridge University found that children with stable upbringings were more likely to divorce later in life
Researchers found that men and women with a stable upbringing could have more confidence and so be more ready to leave a failing relationship.
For the long-term project at Cambridge University, thousands of Britons born in one week in 1946 were studied.
When they were in their teens, teachers rated them for happiness, friendliness and energy. Problems such as restlessness, disobedience and anxiety were noted.
Decades later, information about their lives was also collected and analysed.
Professor Felicia Huppert, director of the university's Well-being Institute, commented on the findings on marriage break-up.
'One factor might be that positive children have higher self-esteem than their peers and are more willing to leave a marriage if it is not meeting their needs,' she said.
When they were in their teens, teachers rated them for happiness, friendliness and energy. Problems such as restlessness, disobedience and anxiety were noted.Other findings were more predictable.
© AlamyHigher self-esteem: the researchers found adults who had happy childhood were more confident about leaving a partner
They were also much less likely to suffer from psychiatric problems in later years, the Journal of Positive Psychology reported.
The researchers concluded: 'Even in this time of great financial hardship, policy-makers should prioritise the well-being of our children so they have the best possible start in life.'
'The findings support the view that even in this time of great financial hardship, policymakers should prioritise the well-being of our children so they have the best possible start in life.'
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