Long-Term Effects of Corporal Punishment

Adults who reported harsh physical punishment during childhood had significantly greater risk for lifetime adult mental disorders.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that corporal punishment is of limited effectiveness and has potentially deleterious adverse effects. However, many parents use corporal punishment in young children in response to tantrums and oppositional behavior. To determine if harsh physical punishment (pushing, grabbing, shoving, slapping, or hitting) in childhood is associated with mental disorders in adulthood, researchers evaluated data from a nationally representative survey of 34,653 U.S. adults (response rate, 87%). Researchers excluded data from adults who reported severe physical or emotional abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, or exposure to maternal intimate partner violence. Interviews were conducted in person by trained interviewe…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics