Study of 160,000 children finds that spanking increases childhood defiance and long-term mental issues

by ParentCo. April 26, 2016

Spanking is associated with unintended detrimental outcomes, finds a new study in the Journal of Family Psychology, based on five decades of research involving more than 160,000 children.

“The upshot of the study is that spanking increases the likelihood of a wide variety of undesired outcomes for children,” said lead author Elizabeth Gershoff, an associate professor of human development and family sciences at the University of Texas, said in a statement Monday.. “Spanking thus does the opposite of what parents usually want it to do.” It's the most extensive scientific investigation into the spanking issue, and one of the few to look specifically at spanking rather than grouping it with other forms of physical discipline. “Our analysis focuses on what most Americans would recognize as spanking and not on potentially abusive behaviors,” “We found that spanking was associated with unintended detrimental outcomes and was not associated with more immediate or long-term compliance, which are parents' intended outcomes when they discipline their children.” In fact, Gershoff and co-author Andrew Grogan-Kaylor, an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, found that the more frequently that children are spanked, the higher the risk that those kids will start to defy their parents, become aggressive, experience mental health issues, exhibit anti-social behaviors, and/or develop cognitive difficulties. Source: Spanking and Child Outcomes: Old Controversies and New Meta-Analyses.


ParentCo.

Author



Also in Conversations

mother with child
How Teaching Goal Setting Inspires Children

by Joy Turner

Setting goals allows kids to experience growth socially and emotionally by helping them develop self-regulation skills, gain responsibility and build confidence.

Continue Reading

mother with child outside
Ensuring Safe Toys and Gear for your Little One

by Hannah Howard

Since not all companies are scrupulous, here’s how parents can make sure the products they buy for their family are safe. Shop from brands you trust.

Continue Reading

mother and daughter doing yoga
Choosing Rhythms Over Resolutions

by Hannah Brencher

Parenting is about flow, sustainable habits, and family values—not rigid goals and resolutions and left me feeling like a failure when I didn’t hit the mark.

Continue Reading