The effects of spanking (1104)

Many parents avoid spanking their children, but occasionally do so out of frustration or desperation. Others believe it's okay to spank as long as you are calm and hit only once with an open hand. Some use spanking to control behavior by causing pain or fear.

Over the years, we have learned quite a bit about the effects of spanking through research by Murray Straus and others. We've learned that spanking teaches kids that hitting others is morally correct. In other words, hitting is okay if the other person is doing something wrong and won't stop it.

We've learned that children who are spanked control their behavior to avoid being hit. But children of non-spanking parents tend to control their behavior on the basis of right and wrong. They learn to control their behavior without parental involvement. We know that spanking hinders the development of empathy, remorse or compassion. The child focuses on the pain, rather than the effects of his or her own behavior on others.

We know that corporal punishment used at the toddler age can reduce the degree to which children develop a conscience. Spanking stops behavior for the time being, but does not teach the child the right thing to do. Spanking chips away at the bond of affection between parent and child.

Parents who encourage or reinforce good behavior and teach or model the behavior they wish their children to have produce a number of desirable qualities within children.  Some of these qualities include: positive self-concept, honesty, responsibility, compassion, problem-solving, self control and acceptance of self and others.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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