PARENTING SKILLS: The Spanking Controversy Anita R. Webb, PhD JPS HealthNetwork Fort Worth, Texas

Objectives Awareness of: Current status of spanking controversy Research on corporal punishment Legal actions by other countries Legal actions within the U.S.

Key Points Children need structure and discipline. Research supports concerns about potential negative effects of spanking. Parents can learn other methods of discipline, especially behavior modification (research based). Family physicians can help parents raise healthy, well-adjusted children.

Discipline versus Punishment Discipline = Instruction and guidance “Do it this way.” Punishment = Response suppression “Don’t do that.” (Holden 2002) Corporal punishment: Use of physical force with the intention of causing pain but not injury For the purpose of correction or control of the child’s behavior (Straus 1994)

What About Spanking? “The United States has the highest rate of spanking, leaving more bruises and welts than any other country studied.” (Hyman, 2001)

PUBLIC OPINION What % of parents condone spanking? 93% What % say they would rather not spank if they had an alternative? 85% (Graziano 1996)

CULTURAL FACTORS Research shows cultural differences in discipline attitudes and strategies. For example: Religious beliefs “Nowhere has the issue been more volatile than in the South.”

Other Cultural Factors EXAMPLE: “The judicious use of childhood spanking [is] especially popular in Asian countries.” (Leung, 2000) (Univ. of Hong Kong)

Other Cultural Factors (cont.) EXAMPLE: African-American parents Used harsher discipline Especially in lower SES And in families with high stress levels (Pinderhughes, 2000)

Socioeconomic Factors Low income parents: “Tend to endorse much harsher discipline” See “physical and severe punishment as their only option”. Highly stressed parents: “Assume that their children intentionally misbehave.”

Meta-Analysis Research Corporal punishment was associated with higher levels of Immediate compliance Aggression And lower levels of Moral internalization (conscience) Mental health (Gerschoff 2002)

Psychologist Opinions Punishment has long been a controversial topic in psychology. Decades of research have suggested that spanking is ineffective and harmful. However, “The evidence, although strong, is not truly conclusive.” (Straus 1999)

Physician Opinions 1992 % who supported spanking? 70% 59% 800 Family Physicians surveyed % who supported spanking? 70% 400 Pediatricians surveyed 59% (McCormick, 1992)

AMA POLICY STATEMENT “Infliction of pain or discomfort, however minor, is not a desirable method of communication with children.” (House of Delegates 1985)

AAFP ADVICE “Spanking isn’t the best way to discipline children. “The goal of discipline is to teach children self-control. “Spanking just teaches children to stop doing something out of fear.” (“Parenting Tips” 1999)

AAP POSITION “It is the least effective way to discipline.” (1995) “The AAP strongly opposes striking a child. “It is the least effective way to discipline.” (1995) “The AAP strongly discourages the use of corporal punishment because “It has negative consequences and “Is no more effective than other approaches.” (“Guidelines for Effective Discipline” 1998)

Negative Consequences of Corporal Punishment 1. Emotionally harmful to both parent and child 2. Teaches that violence is acceptable 3. Does not teach alternative behavior 4. Interferes with trust, security and communication (hurts the relationship) 5.May cause emotional pain and resentment (AAP 1998)

International Opinions Sweden banned spanking in 1979. Ten more countries have banned spanking since then. Most European countries consider the ban on spanking an educational law, with mandatory parenting classes on discipline

United States Proposals to ban spanking failed California (under age 4) 2007 Massachusetts 2006 Wisconsin 1992 Brookline, Massachusetts, passed a resolution against spanking in 2005. Only 27 states have banned corporal punishment from public schools.

Evolution of Corporal Punishment “A hundred years ago it was considered a novel idea for the law to say you couldn’t hit your wife.” (Block 2007) “Americans need to re-evaluate why we believe it is reasonable to hit young, vulnerable children When it is against the law to hit other adults, prisoners, and even animals.” (Gershoff 2002)

EXAMPLE: “Breaking” Wild Mustangs

VERSUS: Horse Whisperer Monty Roberts: “Join Up”

RECOMMENDATION Use Behavior Modification to teach children that: Good Behavior Is Rewarded. Bad Behavior Is Not Tolerated.

Role Of Family Physician Offer reassurance to families. Provide information on parenting skills. Explain simple reinforcement strategies. Refer serious behavioral problems for assessment and counseling. Change society’s attitude about corporal punishment. (AMA 2001, AAFP 1995, AAP 1995, APA 1975)

KEY POINTS Children need structure and discipline. Research supports concerns about potential negative effects of spanking. Parents can learn other methods of discipline, especially behavior modification (research based). Family physicians can help parents raise healthy, happy, good citizens.

The End