The study found that parental self-report of empathy was strongly related to both abuse potential and punishment intentions, and that while the eye-tracking analog scores for empathy were also strongly related to self-reported empathy, they were not significantly related to punishment decisions. In addition, the study found that the eye-tracking analog scores for attributions were strongly correlated with punishment decisions but not potential risk of child physical abuse. This study used an eye tracking technology to determine whether the technology could be used to assess both parental attribution of child misbehavior and empathy as it might relate to physical abuse risk and punishment decisions. Data for the study were obtained from a sample of 26 parents with at least 1 child below the age of 10. Study participants' eye movements were tracked while they read attribution and empathy vignettes to determine whether certain movements could be used to assess the participants' attribution of child misbehavior and empathy as it might relate to physical abuse risk and punishment decisions. The findings suggest a discrepancy between self-reports and implicit analog assessments of parental attribution of child misbehavior and empathy. The study suggests the need for further research on alternative approaches to identify risk markers associated with an increased risk of child physical abuse. Study limitations are discussed. Tables and references