A growing body of research highlights the negative effects of spanking as a disciplinary method, and a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests it may also correlate with future dating violence.
Despite evolving views on corporal punishment, many parents still advocate for spanking. A 2014 national survey revealed that 76% of men and 65% of women aged 18 to 65 believed a child sometimes requires a ‘good hard spanking.’ However, extensive studies over the past two decades have linked spanking to increased aggression in children, mental health issues, and hindered cognitive development. There is a prevailing notion that if we want to teach children not to hit others, we should refrain from hitting them ourselves, which may inform the findings of this new research from the University of Texas.
The Study
In this study, researchers surveyed 758 young adults aged 19 and 20 regarding their experiences with physical punishment during childhood and their involvement in dating violence. The findings were telling: “Participants who reported experiencing corporal punishment were significantly more likely to have engaged in dating violence,” explained Dr. Lisa Carter, a psychiatry professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, in a conversation with CNN. Among those involved in dating violence, 68% reported having received physical punishment as children.
This resulted in a “significant positive correlation” between corporal punishment and dating violence, which persisted even after researchers accounted for instances of childhood abuse. This indicates that the relationship is specifically related to spanking and slapping, rather than broader abuse. “Spanking alone was an indicator of future dating violence,” noted Dr. Carter.
The Impact of Spanking
For some, the belief in the effectiveness of spanking persists, often viewed as a positive influence in their parenting. However, for others, spanking sends a troubling message: that physical violence is an acceptable form of discipline, and that aggression can play a role in healthy relationships. While some may subscribe to the adage “spare the rod, spoil the child,” many argue that the distinction between physical discipline and abuse is too ambiguous and teaches harmful lessons.
As family studies expert Dr. Maria Jennings pointed out, “Experiencing aggression from a parent can heighten stress and diminish a child’s coping abilities, making them more likely to resort to aggression themselves in challenging situations.”
Breaking the Cycle
To truly break the cycle of violence, it’s essential for parents to reflect on their own practices. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and tempted to resort to physical punishment. Yet, if we aim to model appropriate behavior for our children, we cannot justify hitting those we love, nor can we blame our children for provoking such reactions. Those rationalizations ring alarmingly familiar, don’t they?
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Conclusion
In summary, spanking as a discipline method not only fails to yield positive outcomes for children but may also contribute to future patterns of violence in relationships. The cycle of aggression can be broken through reflection and alternative discipline methods.
Keyphrase: Spanking and Dating Violence
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