Spanking and Corporal Punishment Parenting Practices and Child Development: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Violence against children is a significant problem, particularly during early childhood development. Spanking and other forms of corporal punishment in child-rearing have been used by families worldwide to correct children’s unwanted behaviors. Despite previous studies focusing on the negative consequences of these parental practices, open questions remain. The present study aimed to systematically review the empirical studies published in scientific literature that examined the associations between parenting practices of spanking and corporal punishment of mothers and their children’s behaviors and development in early childhood. Search was performed in PubMed, APA PsycNet, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS databases using the combination of the following keywords: ((spank OR physical punishment OR physical abuse OR physical maltreatment OR corporal punishment) AND (parenting)) AND (child* development OR child* behavior). The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and 34 articles were selected for review. The inclusion criteria were the following: studies that evaluated associations between maternal spanking or corporal punishment practices and behaviors or development of 0-to-6-year-old children; quantitative studies; studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese language. The results showed that in 94% of the studies, there were significant associations between maternal spanking and corporal punishment with deteriorated child behavior and development, concurrently or later. In addition, maternal physical practices also acted as mediators or moderator variables in models that explained behavioral and developmental problems in early childhood.

Determining the Prevalence of Child Maltreatment Among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia Using ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool

“…Many parents think that physical punishment is not considered violence if it is properly administered and used to teach the child a lesson. As reported by a previous study, in 94% of the studies, significant associations were observed between spanking and corporal punishment with subsequent deterioration in child behavior and development, concurrently or later [24]. This is also compatible with the findings of a study that states that children exposed to corporal punishment were about 24% less likely to be developmentally on track than children who were not exposed to corporal punishment [25].…”

Examining the Impacts of Corporal Punishment in Secondary Schools: Unraveling Psychological Repercussions on Students

“…Additionally, qualitative studies could provide deeper insights into the personal experiences and perceptions of students regarding corporal punishment, further enriching the understanding of its impacts. This holistic approach will be crucial in advancing the efforts to mitigate the negative consequences of corporal punishment and to promote a more supportive and nurturing educational environment (22).…”

Examining the Moderating Role of Parental Stress in the Relationship between Parental Beliefs on Corporal Punishment and Its Utilization as a Behavior Correction Strategy among Colombian Parents

“…The compelling scientific evidence linking corporal punishment (hereafter CP) to adverse effects on child development is well-established [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Despite this knowledge, approximately 1 million children globally endure various forms of violence within their homes [8].…”