Whether or not to use spanking as a form of punishment is one of the most controversial issues parents confront. Although corporal punishment continues to come under fire, the majority of children do receive some form of physical punishment in the United States. In fact, 80 percent of kids in this country have received physical punishment by the time they reach 5th grade, according to the University of Michigan's Dr. Elizabeth T. Gershoff in a 2008 report on the subject.
Defining Spanking
Understanding what spanking is -- and how people's definitions differ -- is an important consideration. Researchers define spanking as the open-handed hitting of a child on the buttocks or extremities, according to Alan E. Kazdin and Corina Benjet in their 2003 review in "Current Directions in Psychological Science." Spanking should not leave physical marks on the child. While spanking is viewed as abusive by many, some parents consider the use of paddles and other objects as a normal or appropriate form of punishment.
Who Spanks
Certain groups are more likely to use spanking as a form of punishment. Young or stressed mothers are more likely to spank their children, according to an August 2011 study in "Child and Youth Services Review." That study also revealed that children of African American mothers are at greater risk of being spanked. A study published just 5 months earlier in "Pediatrics" found that depressed fathers are more likely to spank their children as well. Parents who show aggression toward each other -- verbally or physically -- tend to choose spanking as a form of punishment, according to another "Pediatrics" study published in August 2010.
Reasons for Spanking
One reason parents continue to use spanking is that they were spanked when they were children. Dr. Edward L. Vockell wrote in a 1991 article in the journal "The Clearing House" that such parents believe spanking kept them in line, therefore it is an acceptable form of punishment for their own kids. Parents may also choose spanking because it is unpleasant for children, causing them to fear the punishment. This, ideally, keeps them from misbehaving. Some studies have found that mild spanking used as a last resort may be effective, according to Kazdin and Benjet.
Long-Term Effects
Although spanking may be temporarily effective, findings seem to be stacked against it in the long term. Dr. Gershoff's 2008 research found that physical punishment is associated with more defiant, aggressive children. Spanked children are also at higher risk for anxiety, depression and drug use. These children are more apt to associate pain and fear with their parents, which compromises the quality of their bonds with them. They are also more likely to be aggressive or violent with their families as adults.
References
- "Current Directions in Psychological Science"; Spanking Children: Evidence and Issues; Alan E. Kazdin, Corina Benjet; 2003
- "Child and Youth Services Review"; Who Spanks Infants and Toddlers? Evidence from the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study; MJ Mackenzie, et al.; August 2011
- Healthfinder.gov; Depressed Dads More Likely to Spank, Shortchange Kids: Study; Kathleen Doheny; March 2011
- Healthfinder.gov; Parents Who Clash More Likely to Spank Kids; Serena Gordon; August 2010
- Phoenix Children's Hospital; Report on Physical Punishment in the United States; What Resarch Tells Us About Its Effects on Children; Elizabeth T. Gershoff, PhD; 2008
- "The Clearing House"; Corporal Punishment: The Pros and Cons; Edward L. Vockell; April 1991
