London, Nov 13 Families argue for the equivalent of nearly four years, with mothers causing most of the rows, according to a British research.

The new study, which surveyed 3,000 families, found TV, household chores and attitude to be the main causes of family tensions.

Families spend on average 15 minutes a day arguing, claims the study.

Mark De Netto, spokesman for family database Uinvue - who organised the research - said: "It was interesting to note that mum still seems to play the pivotal role within the family.

"However the results do show that dads are getting far more involved."

According to researchers, daughters were most likely to slam doors during an argument, while fathers preferred to go for a long drive to cool off, reports The Telegraph.

De Netto said: "Although arguments are a common factor in all families, our results show that they play a vital role in building and strengthening bonds within the family and act as a release valve for family members, so minor arguments do play a positive role in family life.

"We do still think it is worthwhile counting slowly to ten sometimes." (ANI)