A comprehensive new analysis has revealed that physical punishment, including spanking, leads to exclusively negative outcomes for children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This research, published in Nature Human Behaviour, echoes findings from high-income nations, highlighting the detrimental effects of corporal punishment on children’s well-being.
Key Findings from the Study:
- Negative Associations: The analysis examined 195 studies conducted between 2002 and 2024 across 92 LMICs. The results indicated that physical punishment is significantly linked to adverse outcomes in 16 out of 19 assessed areas, including:
- Worse Parent-Child Relationships: Children subjected to physical discipline reported strained relationships with their caregivers.
- Increased Violence: The likelihood of children becoming victims or perpetrators of violence, including intimate partner violence in adulthood, was notably higher.
- Health and Development Issues: Physical punishment was associated with a range of health problems, mental health issues, substance use, and poor academic outcomes.
- Impaired Social-Emotional Skills: Children faced challenges in emotional regulation, leading to behavioural problems and difficulties in social interactions.
- Lack of Positive Outcomes: Notably, the study found no positive outcomes associated with corporal punishment, reinforcing the idea that physical discipline is universally harmful to children and adolescents.
- Cultural Normativeness Hypothesis: The lead author, Jorge Cuartas, challenged the notion that physical punishment may have different effects in cultures where it is more socially accepted. The findings suggest that the harms of corporal punishment are consistent regardless of cultural context.
- Call for Global Action: With only 65 countries having implemented full or partial bans on corporal punishment, the research emphasises the urgent need for more global efforts to protect children from physical violence. Cuartas stated, “Moving forward, more research is needed to identify effective strategies for preventing physical punishment on a global scale.”
This study sheds light on the critical need for policymakers, educators, and caregivers to explore alternative disciplinary methods that promote healthy development without resorting to physical punishment.
For more information and insights from the research, visit the full article on NYU’s website: Spanking and Other Physical Discipline Lead to Exclusively Negative Outcomes for Children in Low- and Middle-income Countries.
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