The analysis focuses on 14 topics: adolescent problems, adult adjustment issues, aggression, debate issues, demographic variables, historical roots, human rights issues, intellectual and cognitive issues, international perspectives, legal issues, parenting practices, religious issues, use in schools, and social behavior indicators. Findings reveal that no empirical studies exist that report positive results from the use of corrective force. The articles and books supporting the use of corporal punishment rely on historical analyses, religious roots, philosophical arguments, or anecdotal testimonials. Overall, the literature contains strong indicators that the use of corporal punishment can lead to a wide variety of social and behavioral problems for children, adolescents, and adults. However, the results of some research is less definitive than desired due to problems such as lack of a clear definition and the difficulty of isolating the impact of corporal punishment from other variables. The experiences of Sweden and other countries in legally banning corporal punishment are also instructive regarding the positive results of minimizing or eliminating its use. Tables and 137 references (Author summary modified)