Half a century of research has highlighted the influence of spanked on the psychological development of children. If this parental attitude is repetitive, it may even have a considerable impact on social harmony.
Analysis of the effects of spanking on the child's psychological development has presented some special challenges, first, because of the fact that it is often accompanied by other forms of corporal punishment; making it impossible to draw a meaningful distinction between impacts and those spankings. On the other hand, many people still have a traditional view on this practice.
What the studies have proven
The results of several surveys on the effects of spanking on a population of 160 927 children were grouped in the Journal of Family Psychology. Dr. Elizabeth Gershoff, who contributed to the publication of the study on spanking - a pat bare hand on the backside or another body part - relays that most adults admit as a punishment, not as an abusive behavior .
The conclusions of this report however shows that spanking is absolutely inadequate measure of discipline. Dr. Elizabeth Gershoff said: "We found that spanking was associated with unintended negative results from the children, rather than lead to the expected attitude by their parents". They confirm, moreover, that the traditional view arguing that spanking does not hurt is wrong by showing that adults who were punished by spankings during their childhood were more likely to develop antisocial behavior and be aggressive in adulthood.
The survey published in the Journal of Family Psychology also compares the magnitude of the frequency of spanking on the child psycho development to the use of physical violence. It notes that often spanked child is more likely to develop unsociable behavior and some psychologists believe that these two factors induce the same result.
Reviewed by a specialist
Nazeyrollas, psychopraticienne confirms that spanking and corporal punishment have psychological and physical impact on the child. Corroborating his statements with the Observatory's studies and the Association, Neither spankings or slaps, it maintains that spankings are degrading, affect the self-esteem and produce a sense of humiliation that may enhance the construction of a depressive, aggressive and violent personality.
Corporal punishment affect further the confidence of the child, and the development of his intelligence quotient. The lack of verbal interaction is likely to reduce the development of intellectual abilities of the child. This is according to a study by a team of researchers from the University of New Hampshire on a group of 806 children aged 2 to 4 years and 704 children aged 5 to 9 years.
On the physical level, often most struck children are prone to disease and accident risks, such as muscle damage caused by repeated spankings or brain injury in infants (shaken baby syndrome). They are also more likely to suffer from overweight or obesity or hypersensitivity to stress.
Educate without hitting
Nazeyrollas suggests proactive communication. She advises to practice active listening, holding carefully to the inner conflicts of the child and explaining the consequences of his imprudence or its activities, and how the child may feel. The child will feel valued and more confident, which will help to reduce negative behavior.
Finally, a UNICEF report has reignited the debate on this issue, noting that over 70% of children worldwide, were being spanked. 44 countries have banned the use of corporal punishment against children. Sweden is a pioneer in the matter (since 1979). New Zealand is the first English-speaking country to banne this behavior.