Yay or Nay: Is Spanking an Appropriate Form of Discipline?
So now that you've navigated through this site and gotten a better sense of the controversy surrounding spanking, you should be able to make an informed decision about whether or not you want to spank your child.
While spanking may not cause lasting psychological or emotional damage, it can lead to increased aggression and low self-esteem in children (Simons & Wurtele, 2010). Furthermore, studies have suggested that frequent spanking may even have the reverse intended effect and cause an increase in problem behaviors over time (Taylor et al., 2010). However, this does not mean that spanking should be attributed as the sole cause for impediment to the child's development. Some studies suggest that the consequences of spanking rely on other factors of parenting. That is, parents who spank their children also seem to be more emotionally detached and less involved in their child's life. This lack of emotional support from parents appears to amplify the negative effects of spanking while high levels of warmth and emotional support can void them (McLoyd & Smith, 2002).
So, you ask again, should you spank your child?
While spanking may not cause lasting psychological or emotional damage, it can lead to increased aggression and low self-esteem in children (Simons & Wurtele, 2010). Furthermore, studies have suggested that frequent spanking may even have the reverse intended effect and cause an increase in problem behaviors over time (Taylor et al., 2010). However, this does not mean that spanking should be attributed as the sole cause for impediment to the child's development. Some studies suggest that the consequences of spanking rely on other factors of parenting. That is, parents who spank their children also seem to be more emotionally detached and less involved in their child's life. This lack of emotional support from parents appears to amplify the negative effects of spanking while high levels of warmth and emotional support can void them (McLoyd & Smith, 2002).
So, you ask again, should you spank your child?
The Bottom Line:
Extensive research and studies suggest that spanking should not be used as a method to discipline children. In fact, among psychologists in clinical practice, 70% would never suggest spanking to discipline a child, 26% would rarely suggest, and 4% would sometimes suggest spanking (Benjet & Kazdin, 2003). Most professionals recommend alternative solutions that include outlining and defining clear rules, limits, and standards for the child combined with high levels of warmth and responsiveness from parents to encourage positive behavior. If you're looking to spanking as an effective method to disciplin your child, spanking is not one of them.