The eminent child psychiatrist, Dr. John Werry reminds us that biology is not destiny, yet based upon studies in the animal world, it appears reasonable to conclude that all species are likely programmed for and capable of aggression in the face of a variety of threats. Aggressive behavior may be adaptive and appears to have a place in evolution, and likely involves a degree of genetic contribution. Animals act aggressively towards both their own and other species when their safety or that of their offspring are threatened. They are aggressive to protect food sources or territory. But rarely do other species utilize aggression as a primary means of helping their offspring learn the important lessons of life and become functional organisms. Nevertheless, the human species has, over a long period of time, resorted to aggression as a means of doing so. This activity is not surprising as our species has modified a variety of instinctual behaviors such as procreation to suit our needs. Perhaps it comes with having a much more complex and evolved brain than other species. In this month’s article, I will add my “two cents” concerning the issue of aggression, specifically spanking and corporal punishment, not just as means of teaching children but as methods of instilling a resilient mindset. I will review recent research and comment upon these researchers’ observations. I ask only that you read this article through the lens of common sense.
Recently, Columbia University Psychologist, Dr. Elizabeth Thompson Gershoff, completed an analysis of nearly a hundred research studies involving over 36,000 children. She looked at the results of each of these studies and completed what is referred to in statistics as a meta-analysis. She examined these studies for association between corporal punishment, which she defined as using physical force that causes a child pain but not injury to correct or control behavior, and eleven outcomes in childhood and adulthood. Her research was recently published in the journal, Psychological Bulletin (Volume 128, #4, 2002). Dr. Gershoff found that corporal punishment was significantly associated with all eleven end points which include poor moral internalization, negative quality of relationship with parents, negative mental health status, as well as an increased rate of abuse by a parent, childhood aggression, criminal or anti-social behavior and abuse of own child or spouse in adulthood. Dr. Gershoff was careful to point out that not all spanked children develop these negative outcomes. She also noted one positive outcome from spanking. After being spanked, children were more likely to immediately comply with their parents’ direction.
It appears reasonable to then conclude that if parents’ only interest is compliance, then spanking is an effective intervention. However, if parents are interested in raising children capable of developing self-discipline, dealing with stress and adversity, and living a resilient lifestyle, a helicopter view points out that corporal punishment, in this case spanking, is the antithesis of the types of parental behavior leading to desired outcome. Even if children comply after being spanked, the long-term outcomes suggest that they are probably not internalizing the message, but rather responding through a negative reinforcement model. That is, they respond out of fear that they will be struck again as opposed to learning a valuable lesson.
Into the mix come other researchers. In a commentary in the very same journal, these researchers argued that the data were “unclear.” They suggest there wasn’t enough research, that “non-abusive spanking” (I wonder how striking another human being can ever be non-abusive) causes the results that Dr. Gershoff has suggested from her analysis of these dozens of studies. They point out the difference between correlation (two events occurring simultaneously), and causation (one event causing the other). They suggest that perhaps the adverse outcomes being measured are not the result of spanking but the result of the child’s problems that result in spanking! Thus, they suggest that these adverse outcomes occur not because of spanking but because spanking may be an ineffective deterrent. Child misbehavior is the product of ineffective parenting they suggest rather than spanking.
These are academic debates. The fact of the matter is that the critics are correct. Correlation is not the equivalent of causation. Life is complex. There are hundreds of forces that ultimately shape life outcome, happiness, and success. These academic debates are interesting and necessary, but how should they affect our behavior as parents and professionals? If it was demonstrated that spanking was an effective intervention, how many parents who do not spank would suddenly begin doing so on a regular basis? How many psychologists would promote spanking? If, as Dr. Gershoff concludes, spanking is ineffective except for immediate compliance, how many parents who spank would stop doing so? Many parents still believe, “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” For the human species, belief is a valuable ally, often adhered to even in the face of fact. Aggressive behavior may, to an extent, be genetically driven, but how we choose to raise our children is a matter of personal choice so long as we remain within the agreed upon guidelines and boundaries of our community. Thus, we shouldn’t look to the scientists to decide whether or not to spank our children. Rather, we must look within ourselves through a lens of common sense. If, as a parent, all that concerns you is immediate compliance, then spank. But if your goal is to raise a resilient child, one capable of making good choices, communicating effectively, living a happy, successful, healthy lifestyle, and developing appropriate relationships with others, then spanking doesn’t appear to be the vehicle to take you to this outcome.
In the final analysis, I suggest you consider how you felt if and when you were struck as a child? Time and time again, parents exposed to corporal punishment as children have told me that they complied because they feared being struck again. Yet, nearly every one has told me he or she doesn’t believe this is a good way to raise children and has worked to not perpetuate this cycle. How would you feel if, when you made a mistake, your employer, spouse, or friend struck out at you? What message would it convey? How might you respond? Spanking children, I believe, is a misguided by-product of an adaptive behavior. It is often fueled by parental anger and frustration, bearing little resemblance to a rational, science based, strategy designed to raise healthy, happy, resilient children. From this perspective, it doesn’t deserve even minor consideration in the parenting repertoire.
