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

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

3. 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.

4. 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)

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

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

7. 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.”

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

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

10. 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.”

11. 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)

12. 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)

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

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

15. 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)

16. 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)

17. 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)

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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)

21. EXAMPLE: “Breaking” Wild Mustangs

22. VERSUS: Horse Whisperer
Monty Roberts: “Join Up”

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

24. 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)

25. 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.

26. The End