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Crossing the Line From Physical Discipline to Child Abuse: How Much Is Too Much?

NCJ Number
167707
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 21 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1997) Pages: 431-444
Author(s)
E E Whipple; C A Richey
Date Published
1997
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper seeks to better differentiate physical discipline, corporal punishment and physical child abuse based on samples drawn from the United States.
Abstract
The article examines American literature to differentiate physical discipline, corporal punishment and physical child abuse on such dimensions as severity, intention, and child effects; and on key contextual or environmental factors empirically associated with higher rates of violent behavior in families. Normative data on parental spanking frequencies were summarized to better operationalize patterns of physical discipline among abusive and nonabusive parents. Five articles that met selection criteria revealed that abusive parents spanked their children more often than did nonabusive parents. While further research is needed to address spanking intensity, severity and context, results of the research suggest that relative exposure to spanking may be an additional risk marker for abuse when considered with other known indicators or risk factors. The article suggests that programs to provide a safe setting for parents to discuss discipline strategies might enable parents to meet the needs of family functioning without crossing the line between physical discipline and abuse. References