Elsevier

Journal of Pediatric Health Care

Volume 24, Issue 2, March–April 2010, Pages 103-107
Journal of Pediatric Health Care

Article
On Hitting Children: A Review of Corporal Punishment in the United States

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2009.03.001Get rights and content

Abstract

Research has clearly demonstrated associations between corporal punishment of children and maladaptive behavior patterns such as aggression and delinquency. Hitting children is an act of violence and a clear violation of children's human rights. In this article, the position of the United States on corporal punishment of children is discussed. Professional and international progress on ending corporal punishment is explained, and the relationship between corporal punishment and child abuse is discussed. An appeal is made for prevention efforts such as parent education and removal of social sanctions for hitting children that may hold significant promise for preventing child maltreatment.

Section snippets

Michele Knox, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH.

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  • Cited by (48)

    • Maternal use of corporal punishment and behavior problems in early childhood: A sibling comparison analysis

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      The results of this study underscore findings from dozens of other studies conducted over the past 50 years (Vaughan-Eden et al., 2019): CP is an ineffective form of discipline at best and is strongly associated with negative developmental outcomes, specifically externalizing behavior problems (Gershoff, 2002; Gershoff & Grogan-Kaylor, 2016). Nevertheless, many parents in the USA view CP as a necessary component of disciplining their children (Knox, 2010; Lee et al., 2020). Indeed, previous studies have suggested that many parents believe children who do not receive CP (i.e., “spankings”) will grow up to be out of control, disrespectful, and/or spoiled (Benjet & Kazdin, 2003; Perrin et al., 2017).

    • Child Maltreatment Prevention: Essentials for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

      2022, Journal of Pediatric Health Care
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      Should the parent endorse the use of CP, the PNP should discuss in an open, nonjudgmental manner the potential negative consequences of CP as well as its long-term ineffectiveness (Afifi, Mota, MacMillan, & Sareen, 2013; Chiocca, 2017; Knox, 2010; Lee, Grogan-Kaylor, & Berger, 2014; Sege et al., 2018). The primary negative consequences being that children who experience spanking and other forms of physical discipline are at increased risk to experience physical abuse at the hands of their parents have lower/slower cognitive development and poorer long-term mental health outcomes (Afifi et al., 2013; Chiocca, 2017; Gershoff & Grogan-Kaylor, 2016; Knox, 2010). Offer other age-appropriate nonphysical methods of discipline such as time-out, loss of privileges, or grounding.

    • Violence Against Children: Recognition, Rights, Responses

      2021, Pediatric Clinics of North America
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    Michele Knox, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH.

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