It’s a tough truth for many to confront, but like the majority of parents, you might have resorted to spanking your child recently. A 2014 survey revealed that a significant percentage of individuals still believe in the effectiveness of a “good hard spanking,” with 76% of men and 65% of women agreeing. While these figures have decreased since 1986, where 84% of men and 82% of women supported the same view, they remain troubling.
Despite its common use, spanking is increasingly being recognized as a harmful disciplinary method. A comprehensive meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Family Psychology, which examined data spanning five decades and included 160,000 children, has concluded that spanking is detrimental to children’s well-being. Researchers have labeled this study as the most thorough examination of the outcomes tied to spanking to date.
According to findings from the University of Austin, Texas, and the University of Michigan, children subjected to spanking are more likely to exhibit defiance, antisocial behavior, aggression, and face cognitive or mental health challenges. This is a concerning revelation.
Previous studies have made similar claims, yet many failed to differentiate between spanking and physical abuse. However, researcher Sarah Langston emphasizes that this latest study specifically focuses on what most Americans identify as spanking—defined as “an open-handed hit on the behind or extremities”—rather than crossing into abusive behaviors. The study also made a clear distinction by isolating the effects of spanking from other forms of physical punishment.
The findings are significant. In the short term, Langston notes, “We found that spanking…was not associated with more immediate or long-term compliance, which are parents’ intended outcomes when they discipline their children.” This suggests that spanking your child won’t yield the desired results of obedience or long-lasting lessons about behavior.
In fact, Langston explains to the Chicago Tribune that “spanking makes children’s behavior worse. It has the opposite effect parents want.” Not only does it fail to foster better behavior or a clear understanding of right and wrong, but it also does not correlate with immediate compliance or future behavioral improvement. So, if you’re considering a swat to get your child to stop their incessant noise, think again—it won’t likely lead to a change.
Moreover, the study reveals that spanking can cause significant harm. “Spanking increases the likelihood of a wide range of negative outcomes for children,” states researcher David Thompson. Adults who recall being spanked as children are more prone to display antisocial behavior, experience mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and even endorse corporal punishment for their own children.
Of particular concern is the finding that spanking and physical abuse yield similar negative outcomes for children, with only a slight difference in severity. “Society often views spanking and physical abuse as separate actions,” Langston observes. “Yet our research indicates that spanking is associated with the same adverse outcomes as abuse, just to a lesser degree.” Given that UNICEF reports approximately 60% of children globally face spanking or physical punishment, this realization is alarming.
As psychologist Tom Reed from Stetson University points out, parents who spank often utilize other disciplinary methods, which may be harsher, complicating the ability to isolate the effects of spanking from overall abusive practices. Additionally, the dynamics of when and why spanking occurs may vary, raising questions about causation—are children spanked because they misbehave, or do they misbehave because they are spanked?
Despite ongoing debates about corporal punishment, Langston asserts that the most effective approach for parents is to avoid spanking altogether. Addressing the argument of “I was spanked and turned out fine,” she counters, “We turned out fine because our parents employed other strategies, like engaging in discussions and providing reasoning for expected behaviors, not due to spanking.”
As we evolve in our understanding, we must adapt our practices. “When I was a child, seat belts were not a standard safety measure. Do I credit my well-being to my parents not using seat belts? No, I believe I was fortunate to have avoided an accident,” Langston concludes.
While discussions on corporal punishment will likely continue, it remains essential for parents to make informed choices on discipline methods. For those interested in alternative parenting strategies, consider exploring resources such as this insightful post, which offers guidance on home insemination, or check out the latest findings from experts on IVF success rates. Additionally, the NHS provides excellent resources for navigating pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Research consistently indicates that spanking is an ineffective and harmful discipline method that can lead to long-term negative outcomes for children, including increased aggression and mental health issues. Despite some parents’ beliefs in its effectiveness, studies show it does not foster compliance or improve behavior. As our understanding of child development grows, it’s vital for parents to explore healthier, more constructive disciplinary approaches.