Updated: November 6, 2019
Originally Published: November 16, 2017
It might be uncomfortable to confront, but research shows that around 94% of parents have spanked their children in the past year. This statistic is particularly true among those with toddlers, as a 2014 survey revealed that 76% of men and 65% of women believed that children sometimes require a “good hard spanking.” While these figures have dropped from 1986—when 84% of men and 82% of women agreed—this still reflects a significant societal attitude.
Despite its commonality, spanking remains a controversial disciplinary approach. A recent meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Family Psychology synthesized five decades of research encompassing 160,000 children, concluding that spanking has detrimental effects on children. Researchers have described this study as the “most comprehensive analysis of spanking outcomes to date.”
Moreover, findings from scholars at the University of Austin, Texas, and the University of Michigan indicate that increased spanking correlates with greater defiance, anti-social behavior, aggression, mental health issues, and cognitive challenges in children.
Although similar claims have surfaced from past studies, many failed to differentiate between spanking and abusive behaviors. Elizabeth Hayes, a key researcher, points out that this study distinctly defines spanking as “an open-handed hit on the behind or extremities,” intentionally excluding abusive actions. This analysis carefully isolated the effects of spanking, rather than conflating it with other forms of physical discipline.
The study’s sheer size and credibility have created considerable discussion, and the findings are stark. In the short term, Hayes indicates, “We found that spanking… was not associated with more immediate or long-term compliance, which are parents’ intended outcomes when they discipline their children.” Essentially, spanking does not produce the desired listening or learning effects that parents hope for.
In fact, as reported to the Chicago Tribune, Hayes asserts, “Spanking exacerbates children’s behavior issues. It yields the opposite of the desired outcome.” It doesn’t lead to improved behavior or a sound understanding of right and wrong. Consequently, smacking your child for annoying behavior won’t foster compliance nor encourage them to heed your requests in the future.
The study further revealed that spanking is not merely ineffective but can also be harmful. “Spanking raises the likelihood of a variety of negative outcomes for children,” states researcher Mark Thompson. The research examined adults who were spanked as children, and the results were alarming. Those who experienced spanking were more prone to exhibit anti-social behavior, struggle with mental health issues, and display increased aggression. They also became more likely to justify corporal punishment as a disciplinary method for their own children.
Most concerningly, researchers indicated that spanking and physical abuse yield similar detrimental effects on children, with only slight differences in intensity. “Society often views spanking and physical abuse as separate actions,” Hayes explains. “However, our research suggests that spanking is linked to the same adverse outcomes as abuse, albeit to a lesser degree.” Given that UNICEF reports 60% of children globally experience spanking or other forms of physical punishment, this is a troubling reality.
As psychologist David Morgan from Stetson University notes, parents who employ spanking often utilize additional disciplinary methods, some of which may be harsher. This complicates efforts to isolate the effects of spanking from overall abusive patterns. Some studies indicate that the consequences of spanking can vary based on frequency, motivation, and the child’s age, without addressing whether children are spanked due to their behavior or if such behavior arises from being spanked.
Despite ongoing debates, Hayes insists that the best course of action for parents is to avoid spanking altogether. In response to the “I was spanked and turned out fine” argument, she counters, “We turned out alright because our parents engaged with us in meaningful ways, like discussing expectations and explaining the reasons behind our behavior. Our outcomes are a result of positive parental interaction, not the spanking itself.”
When we learn more, we can do better. “I grew up in an era without seat belts,” Hayes adds. “Do I believe I turned out okay because I wasn’t buckled in? No, I believe it’s because we never got into an accident.”
Parents may continue to debate the merits of corporal punishment, but the responsibility for deciding on disciplinary methods ultimately rests with them. Personally, I will strive to refrain from spanking, as Hayes emphasizes, “Research consistently shows that spanking predicts negative behavioral changes—there are no studies indicating that it leads to improvements.”
For more insights on family planning and parenting strategies, consider checking out resources like Resolve, which offers valuable information on this subject.
Summary
Recent comprehensive research highlights the long-term harms of spanking, linking it to various negative outcomes in children, including behavioral issues and mental health problems. The consensus among experts is clear: spanking is ineffective and can have lasting detrimental effects.