Corporal Punishment Of Children Research Articles

Guest editors' introduction to special issue on corporal punishment of children in Australia

Guest editors' introduction to special issue on corporal punishment of children in Australia

Attitudes Toward Violence and Cyberstalking: Gender’s Moderating Role

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the moderating role of gender in the relationship between attitudes toward violence and cyberstalking. A total of 393 Brazilian’s volunteers composed the sample (Age mean = 29.3, SD = 8.54, EP = 0.43, 71.2% female). Overall, the results showed that a positive correlation between all four factors that compose the scale of attitudes toward violence with cyberstalking. Gender moderated this relationship (war: b = –0.45, t = –3.30, p<0.01, corporal punishment of children: b = – 0.40, t = –2.62, p < 0.01, penal code violence: b = –0.34, t = –3.20, p < 0.01, intimate violence: b = –0.74, t = –1.93, p = 0.05). Specifically, data indicated that the attitudes x cyberstalking relation only was significant in women. A possible explanation is that attitudes can function as a psychological mechanism to justify problematic behavior, increasing the probability of cyberstalking engagement. However, more studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. Thus, it is concluded that the objectives were met, highlighting the role of attitudes in the perpetration of specific aggressive behaviors that are more prevalent among women, assisting in the study of online violence and its specificities.

The Effects of Perception and Childhood History on the Likelihood of Using Corporal Punishment on Children in Southwest Nigeria

Purpose: Despite its prohibition in some countries, corporal punishment persists globally, with parents using it for preventive, corrective, or punitive reasons. However, factors contributing to its persistent use in many developing countries lack comprehensive understanding. This study explores some of these factors—perceptions of physical abuse, childhood history of corporal punishment, and perceived efficacy—associated with the corporal punishment of children in Nigeria, practiced in diverse settings such as home, school, and community.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to obtain a sample of 187 respondents from southwest Nigeria who participated in a survey exploring their perceptions, childhood history of corporal punishment, and likelihood of using such methods on children. They consist of 65.8% males (n = 123) and 34.2% females (n=64) with an average age of 26.60 years (SD = 5.91). Descriptive analysis was used to describe the demographic characteristics, and multiple regression analysis was used to examine the associations.&#x0D; Results: The results reveal that the majority of respondents (n = 174, 93%) had experienced corporal punishment during their childhood and perceived it as effective in modifying a child’s behavior (n = 139, 74.3%). Weaker perceptions of physically abusive behaviors, a history of childhood corporal punishment, and support for the efficacy of such punishment were all correlated with an increased likelihood of using corporal punishment on children, although the positive and negative correlations were low.&#x0D; Conclusion: Findings emphasize the role of perceptions and childhood experiences in understanding parental use of corporal punishment. Addressing misconceptions about its effectiveness can reveal negative impacts, discourage use, and break the cycle of intergenerational transmission. The influence of weaker perceptions and support for corporal punishment suggests intervention potential, including parental awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote alternative disciplinary strategies for managing children's behavior.

Predicting Black Parents' Attitudes Toward Corporal Punishment: A Moderated-Mediation Model of Frequency and Valence of Childhood Experiences.

Child corporal punishment (CP) may lead to child physical abuse, which is a public health concern in the United States. The present study examined major risk factors predicting attitudes toward CP among a sample of Black parents (N = 394), including frequency and valence of experiences of CP during childhood, outcome expectancies of CP, and perceptions of self-efficacy and response efficacy of non-physical discipline strategies. Structural equation modeling results revealed that the indirect associations between CP frequency and attitudes through self-efficacy and response efficacy were moderated by CP valence. Results extend the literature and point to the need for incorporating information about efficacy of evidence-based non-physical discipline strategies into intervention messages targeting prevention of child physical abuse.

The prevalence of corporal punishment in Australia: Findings from a nationally representative survey

AbstractCorporal punishment is associated with adverse outcomes; however, little empirical data exists about the state of corporal punishment in Australia. This paper presents the first national prevalence estimates of experiences of corporal punishment during childhood among Australians and its use as adults by Australian parents and caregivers. We also report community beliefs about the necessity of corporal punishment. Results show corporal punishment remains common in Australia. A high proportion of Australians (62.5%) experienced corporal punishment in childhood, including almost 6 in 10 (58.4%) young people aged 16–24. Approximately half of all parents surveyed (53.7%) had used corporal punishment. A quarter of Australians (26.4%) believe corporal punishment is necessary to raise children, 73.6% do not view it as necessaryThe use of corporal punishment and belief in its necessity are lower among younger people. Findings indicate the experience of corporal punishment remains unacceptably high in Australia but that the use of corporal punishment and beliefs about its necessity may be changing. These findings have significant implications for policy and practice in Australia. Changes in legislation could reduce this form of violence toward children. Relatively low rates of endorsement of the necessity of corporal punishment suggest the Australian community may be receptive to attempts for law reform in this area.

Canada: A Pathfinder in Search of a Path

The six papers in this special issue provide a context for understanding the rationale for law reform to fully protect children from corporal punishment. As a Pathfinding Country for the UN Global Partnership to End Violence against Children, Canada has an obligation to remove Section 43 of the Criminal Code, the defence that “justifies” corporal punishment of children. As fellow nations influenced by the English common law underlying that defence, Ireland, Scotland and Wales provide models for Canada. They demonstrate that the arguments that commonly derail repeal in Canada can be overcome.

Corporal punishment of children in Australia: The evidence-based case for legislative reform

ObjectiveAcross all of Australia’s states and territories, it is legal for a parent or carer to hit their child. In this paper, we outline the legal context for corporal punishment in Australia and the argument for its reform. MethodsWe review the laws that allow corporal punishment, the international agreements on children’s rights, the evidence on the effects of corporal punishment, and outcomes of legislative reform in countries that have changed their laws to prohibit corporal punishment. ResultsLegislative reform typically precedes attitude changes and reductions in the use of corporal punishment. Countries with the most ideal outcomes have instigated public health campaigns educating the population about law reform while also providing access to alternative non-violent discipline strategies. ConclusionsExtensive evidence exists demonstrating the adverse effects of corporal punishment. When countries change legislation, educate the public about these effects, and provide alternative strategies for parents, rates of corporal punishment decrease. Implications for Public HealthWe recommend law reform in Australia to prohibit corporal punishment, a public health campaign to increase awareness of corporal punishment and its effects, provision of access for parents to alternative evidence-based strategies to assist in parenting, and a national parenting survey to monitor outcomes.

Where Do Perceived Norms Supporting Child Corporal Punishment Come From? A Study of Low-Income Parents

ABSTRACT Although the influence of perceived norms on health behavior has been well researched, the sources of normative perceptions remain understudied. Drawing on the theory of normative social behavior, this study investigated factors shaping descriptive norms associated with child corporal punishment among a sample of low-income Black, Hispanic, and White parents (N = 260). Hierarchical regression results showed that childhood experiences of corporal punishment, direct observation, and interpersonal communication valence were significantly associated with descriptive norms. Path analysis confirmed the direct association between descriptive norms and behavioral intentions, as well as the mediating role of descriptive norms in linking the norm sources and behavioral intentions. Results also revealed that interpersonal network size and interpersonal communication valence jointly affected descriptive norms among parents who talked to others in their proximal networks about applying this disciplinary measure. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Genoa, Nebraska, Settlement of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Development, Demise, and Those Who Remained

Genoa, Nebraska, Settlement of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Development, Demise, and Those Who Remained

The strange endurance of corporal punishment

Corporal punishment of children is an issue that transcends cultures and remains extremely loaded, touching on difficult questions of children's autonomy, parental rights and responsibilities, and societal interests. Conversations around the need to discipline children, and the appropriate means and methods of doing so, delve almost immediately into deep cultural and emotional waters. And when questions extend to how organisations outside the home should approach disciplining children, the issues become even murkier.

Factors Associated with Unwanted Sexual Attention in Australian Nightlife Districts: An Exploratory Study of Nightlife Attendees

Experiences of unwanted sexual attention (UWSA) are commonplace within nightlife environments. While typically associated with aggression perpetration, literature has suggested that a history of childhood corporal punishment (CCP) may also be related to experiences of victimisation in nightlife environments. The current exploratory study aims to examine the associations between experiences of UWSA victimisation and a history of CCP, trait aggression, and conformity to masculine norms (Playboy and Winning), for males and females separately. Street intercept interviews in the Brisbane inner-city entertainment precincts were used to measure demographic details and participants' breath alcohol concentration. Online follow-up surveys were used to record participants' experiences of UWSA on the night of interview, history of CCP, and self-reported rates of trait aggression and conformity to masculine norms. The final sample consisted of 288 females, as there were not sufficient male UWSA experiences for analysis. Approximately 20% of female nightlife patrons experienced some form of UWSA victimisation. Logistic regression analyses identified that after controlling for age and intoxication, a history of CCP, trait aggression and masculine norm conformity were unrelated to experiences of UWSA for female respondents. The current study found that individual factors were unrelated to experiences of UWSA, indicating that simply being in the nightlife environment, especially as a female, increases the risk of UWSA victimisation. Understanding and exploring social and environmental risk factors, rather than individual factors, is needed to prevent victimisation in nightlife environments.

The Bahamian Justification for Using Corporal Punishment Within the Home: A Christian Habit?

Corporal punishment is a common means of disciplining children in Bahamian homes. Previous studies in The Bahamas have linked the justification for its use with religious beliefs. An Internet survey employing a snowball sampling method resulted in 1,570 persons participating in a study designed to focus on the association between biblical influence and attitudes toward corporal punishment; namely, is there an association with biblical influence in the lives of participants and their attitudes towards corporal punishment of children? This study found that those most influenced by biblically-based teachings were most likely to support the use of corporal punishment on their children. The results show that while overall belief in the Lord God of the Bible is associated with the use of corporal punishment, there is divergence between Christians to the extent corporal punishment is justified by the biblical texts, as well as how much participants’ lives were modelled on biblical precepts (specifically, the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes). The divergence of opinions within the Christian population, which represents over 90% of the population of The Bahamas, indicates that attempts by the State to regulate the practice of corporal punishment will need to be promoted by pastors to make messages on nonviolent discipline of children acceptable to Christians in The Bahamas.

Disrupting the Link between Corporal Punishment Exposure and Adolescent Aggression: The Role of Teacher-Child Relationships

Previous research has identified harsh parenting practices, such as corporal punishment, as a predictor of adolescent behaviour problems such as increased aggression. However, not all children who experience childhood corporal punishment develop increased aggression, making the illumination of factors moderating this link an important question for informing prevention. In the current study, an autoregressive cross-lagged panel model was used to examine teacher-child relationships as both a direct and interactive protective factor (via weakening the effects of corporal punishment exposure) in adolescent aggression. Data was used from the Zurich Project on the Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z-proso). Self-reported data was collected at three time points: age 11 (n = 1144, 49% female) age 13 (n = 1366, 49% female) and age 15 (n = 1447, 48% female). Results suggested having a positive teacher-child relationship was a direct protective factor against concurrent aggression. However, there was not consistent evidence for a moderating effect of teacher-child relationships. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Attitude towards Wife-Beating and Child Physical Punishment as Correlates of Child Maltreatment among Somali Women

Attitude towards domestic violence and child corporal punishment contributes to child maltreatment, however, the interplay of these violent practices is not well researched in Africa. Thus, we sought to examine the association between child emotional and physical maltreatment, and women's attitude towards wife-beating and child physical punishment among Somali women. We used data collected in the 2011 Somaliland Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) from 4,820 households. We analyzed data from married/partnered women with children (n=1471) who were 15-49 years old. Bivariate associations were assessed by Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regressions were fitted to determine independent associations of women's attitude towards wife-beating and child physical punishment to child maltreatment variables. Overall, the proportion of children who experienced psychological aggression, moderate, or severe physical assaults were 71.5%, 70.2%, and 42.7%, respectively. Women's attitude towards wife-beating was not significantly associated with child maltreatment. However, we found significant associations between child maltreatment and women's attitude towards physical punishment. Health education programs focusing on changing cultural parenting beliefs may be useful in cultivating sound and effective childrearing strategies among Somali parents.

Associations between caregiver stress and child verbal abuse and corporal punishment in Thailand’s impoverished Deep South region during the COVID-19 pandemic

The objectives of this study are: (1) To describe the levels of parental stress, self-reported child verbal abuse and corporal punishment among caregivers, and; (2) To assess the extent that having moderate or higher levels of parental stress is associated with self-reported child verbal abuse and corporal punishment. We randomly sampled 12 villages and sampled 40 households per village in Thailand’s impoverished Deep South region in June 2020. Study participants included 466 caregivers residing in sampled households. Trained enumerators used the standard ST-5 questionnaire to measure stress level and asked the participants to self-report the study outcomes. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Approximately 19.1% of caregivers reported moderate, high, or severe level of stress. Caregivers with moderate and higher levels of stress were more likely than caregivers with low level of stress to report child verbal abuse (48% vs. 23%, respectively; Adj. OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.90, 5.11) and corporal punishment (28% vs. 8%, respectively; Adj. OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.36, 5.04). We found associations between caregiver’s stress level and self-reported verbal abuse and corporal punishment of children in the household. However, social desirability, lack of details in the answers, and potential confounding by mental illness co-morbidities were notable limitations of the study.

Ethical Questions Concerning Corporal Punishment of Children: Touring its Implications and Directions

The following paper intends to expound few ethical questions around thepractice of corporal punishment of children. Moving beyond a myriad of mental and physical ramifications, the objective here is to estimate the deep-seated issues that the damaging disciplinary model of corporal punishment yields and, furthermore, to promote a Virtue Ethical approach to parental discipline. For the sake of clarity and precision, the paper will restrict to two ethical questions: the question of personhood and degradation. Plainly put, a beating does not just affect the subject physically but has reverberating ethical consequences. In the end, I shall suggest/ argue that Virtue Ethics presents an approach to remedial parenting that guides the child in an ethical manner. The paper will address the following fundamental research questions: What ethical concerns does the practice of corporal punishment of children upheave? How do the questions concerning personhood and degradation offer an ethical interpretive paradigm for understanding the real iniquitous transactions of corporal punishment of children? and Which prominent ethical theory can act as a remedial model in this context? This paper intends to make the readers cognizant of the entrenched ethical implications and ensuing directions of this inglorious form of parenting style.

Sectarian functioning and violence towards children: The case of the Baptist Church of Windsor

A case study of the Baptist Church of Windsor, this article looks at the church’s evolution from a dissident religious group in Quebec into an isolated sectarian group that believed in corporal punishment for children – punishment so severe it was considered child abuse by both the Quebec Office of the Attorney General and Quebec child protection services. The group’s history from foundation to dissolution was reconstructed through an exhaustive documentary analysis as well as the testimony of former members and interviews with key participants. Four stages in the group’s evolution were identified and analyzed, highlighting the elements that contributed to the development of a sectarian doctrinal context in which severe physical punishment against children was generally accepted as legitimate.

Attitudes Toward Corporal Punishment of Children

Abstract. Despite corporal punishment being associated with negative developmental outcomes for children, it is commonly practiced in Malaysian courts, schools, and homes. This study examined the relationships among the Dark Tetrad personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, sadism), anger rumination, and attitudes toward corporal punishment of children. Two hundred sixty-three participants from a university and community sample in Malaysia completed measures of attitudes toward child corporal punishment, the Short Dark Tetrad, and the Anger Rumination Scale. Participants also answered questions about whether they received corporal punishment at home and school as children. Correlation analyses showed that Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism were positively associated with acceptance of corporal punishment. Further regression analyses revealed that having received corporal punishment at home – but not at school – during childhood as well as trait Machiavellianism and sadism predicted accepting attitudes toward corporal punishment. Identifying factors that influence people’s attitudes regarding corporal punishment and discipline behaviors could yield new insights into parenting education programs and policies.

Bullying Victimization Among Ukrainian College Students: The Role of Family Communication and Satisfaction, Corporal Punishment and Child Abuse

Bullying involves aggression that is proactive, intentional, and repeated in a relationship with unequal power. We assessed the association of recent bullying victimization with family processes during childhood using standardized measures in a sample of 1008 young adults attending 10 Ukrainian universities in Ukraine. Structural equation modeling was utilized to examine the associations between family communication and satisfaction, childhood corporal punishment and abuse, and adulthood bullying victimization. The majority of participants had been bullied by a peer or teacher (62.38%) and had a history of corporal punishment (63.46%). There were direct effects of child abuse and corporal punishment and family communication style on bullying victimization during young adulthood. The extent of satisfaction with students’ families of origin showed indirect effects. The results highlight the present needs of many students, as well as the risk factors associated with bullying victimization during their post-secondary education years.

Evaluating Community Factors Associated With Individually Held Intimate Partner Violence Beliefs Across 51 Countries.

Globally, one in three women will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) within her lifetime. IPV attitudes are highly predictive of IPV. While a wealth of literature on risk factors related to IPV exist, an overarching critique in the field is the lack of studies examining risk factors across the socioecological framework. Using data from multiple administrative and individual surveys, this study fills a gap in the literature by evaluating the effect of meso-influences on physical IPV attitudes (i.e., permissibility of a man beating his wife) while accounting for known micro- and macro-risk factors in 64,466 individuals across 51 low-, middle- and high-income countries. Mixed-effects modeling was used to evaluate factors and identify comparative contributions of each factor representing the socio-ecological levels. We tested five multivariate logistic models. The final model indicated that greater perceived neighborhood disorder and less perceived neighborhood security were associated with physical IPV attitudes, while individual endorsement of interpersonal violence, belief in corporal punishment of children, holding greater patriarchal beliefs, being male, being separated from a significant partner, reporting greater household hunger and nationally lower levels of female literacy were associated with beliefs that IPV is acceptable. Overall, the findings of this study support that IPV is a complex behavior, influenced by factors across socio-ecological domains. However, data on neighborhood structural factors (i.e., exosystem) would help unpack the mechanisms between macro-, meso- and micro-level factors and may be important for protecting women from violence.