Impact of Physical Discipline on Mental Wellbeing

Impact of Physical Discipline on Mental Wellbeing Examined

In a recent study led by Jennifer E. Lansford of the Social Science Research Institute at Duke University, the effects of physical punishment on children's emotional wellbeing were examined. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, interviewed over 1,000 women and their children between the ages of 8 and 10 in eight different countries.

The study found that high levels of physical punishment can have a negative impact on children, even when accompanied by affection. Contrary to the belief that being affectionate towards a child after hitting them can help, the researchers discovered that such behaviour can actually worsen the situation.

One individual who shared their personal experience of being hit as a child linked this physical punishment to the development of the belief that anger can be a monster living inside anyone. They also mentioned feeling confusion from wanting to believe their life was safe but being hit communicated they were unworthy, flawed, and deserving of being physically hurt.

The individual further explained that hugging after hitting communicates conflicting messages to a child, such as "your home is unsafe/your home is your security" and "My striking you condemns you/my hugging you redeems you."

Lansford suggests that it might be too confusing and unnerving for a child to be hit hard and loved warmly in the same home. The study also found that maternal warmth does not diminish the negative impact of high levels of physical punishment.

The study did not provide information about whether the mothers in the study used nonphysical discipline or whether they apologized when showing affection to their children.

Meanwhile, a separate article mentioned allegations that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson spanked his 4-year-old son with a switch. No information was provided about whether Peterson apologized for his actions.

Janet Lansbury, a parent educator, emphasises that discipline means 'to teach' and not 'punishment'. She suggests that it's more effective and less risky to use nonphysical discipline.

The study's findings support previous research linking spanking to post-traumatic stress disorder and behavior problems in children. It is clear that the use of physical punishment in child-rearing practices can have long-lasting and harmful effects on a child's emotional wellbeing.