Physical Punishment
Research found that physical (corporal) punishment–like spanking–increases the risk of harm to a child’s overall development. Corporal punishment has been linked to:
- Increased aggression and delinquent behaviors
- Decreased supportive parent-child relationships
- Decreased child mental health
- Increased physical abuse of children
- Increased adult aggression and criminal behaviors
- Decreased adult mental health
- Increased risk of abusing spouse or child as an adult
(Gershoff, E. (2002). Corporal punishment by parents and the associated child behaviors and experiences: A meta-analytic and theoretical review. American Psychological Association, 128, 539-579.)
Corporal punishment may seem to stop problematic behavior in the moment; however, the use of corporal punishment does not promote long-term learning or build necessary childhood skills to effectively self-manage. The use of physical punishment, such as spanking, is often a reactive response of adult frustration or anger.
Additional information on the risk and effects of corporal punishment can be found here: http://www.thisisanohitzone.org/ncptc/center-for-effective-discipline/
You might also be interested in:
• SCAN’s No Hit Zone Initiative
• Anger Management
• Positive Discipline