Parent's Use of Physical Punishment Increases Violent Behavior - Essay Example

Physical Parental Punishment and Violent Behavior among Children It is a debatable whether physical punishments by parents are harmful or harmless and whether it actually develops disciplined children. Some psychologists consider physical punishments to be harmful while others consider it to be harmless. Research has shown that severe physical punishments can lead to aggressive and violent behavior among children particularly if they are spanked or hit before the age of one. Also, children may develop depression and asocial behavior as they grow old. While some psychologists argue that physical punishments may lead to disciplined children, there are various risks associated with it. By evaluating the risks of physical punishments, I wish to assess the various alternatives to physical punishments so as to bring out a positive upbringing in children. Physical punishment has been associated with adverse consequences in children including aggression, psychopathology, and criminal involvement (Boutwell, Franklin, Barnes & Beaver, 559). Research has proved the positive relationship between physical punishment and aggressive behavior among children (Kandel, n.pag.). Statistical studies have shown a positive correlation between the two variables with a stronger correlation among males. Among children older than five years of age, physical punishment is one of the critical variables that contribute to aggressive or violent behavior. According to Kandel, the terms ‘violence’ and ‘aggression’ are used interchangeably which limits the scope of the study (n.pag.). Aggression among children is calculated on a series of aggressive actions which is then totaled to provide a sum score. However, such methods of coming up with an aggression score lacks consistency and results would be more reliable if there was a standardized methodology. Another important variable that may affect the relationship between physical punishments and aggressive behavior is abuse. While abuse is divided into three categories of low, moderate, and high abuse, its correlation may provide useful information regarding the relationship. Nonetheless, research has provided an important finding pertaining to the relationship between physical punishments and the development of aggressive behavior among children. The development of aggressive behavior is affected by the severity and the frequency of physical punishments. Thus, not all physical punishments are similar and hence not all such punishments lead to aggressive behavior. Physical punishments vary in their intensity as some parents might carry out abusive violence while others may exercise mild physical punishments (Kandel, n.pag.). A study was conducted on a sample containing 3 year old children and the risk of physical punishments was analyzed. Using the spanking frequency at age 3, the aggressive behavior was measured at age 5. The research showed that children who were spanked 2 or 3 times within the same month showed symptoms of aggressive behavior developing at age 5 (Lee, Taylor, Altschul & Rice, 1476). A greater risk of negative outcomes was posed when parents used physical punishment more than twice a month. The early years of an individual’s life are central to their growth and development and that is why physical punishments at a young age expose children to several adverse outcomes. Antisocial behavior is among other adverse consequences of physical punishments. However, not all children develop antisocial behavior as a result of spanking although enough evidence is present of the positive relationship between the two variables. It is suggested that a third variable seems to be involved in the aggressive behavior of children. It is also important to consider that not all physical punishments may have the same intensity or frequency. Furthermore, genetic risk factors have been found to be impacting antisocial behavior (Boutwell, Franklin, Barnes & Beaver, 559). But since physical punishments have long term implications on the development of children including poor performance at school (Hasanvand et al, 2454), antisocial behavior, aggression, and so on, it is important to consider alternative and less violent ways of dealing with children. The main reason why parent exercise physical punishment is because of its perceived effectiveness in turning disorderly children into disciplined children. Physical punishments are the most common parenting behavior that most parents employ as a child disciplining method. However, a plethora of research conducted on the matter has shown clear relationship between physical punishments and the development of child aggression as early as age 5. Although there is some evidence that suggests that spanking or employing other forms of physical punishments is effective, it may not be as fruitful as other non-violent techniques of parenting. With much evidence at hand to make a case against physical punishments and spanking, there is a need to adopt alternative, effective but non-aggressive methods of parenting. This would lead to far better results and greater disciplined children if applied appropriately. A significant role is played by parents in the relationship between physical punishments and aggressive behavior. The choice of punishment depends upon the characteristics of the parents. While some parents use mild forms of behavior modification, others exercise harsh physical punishments. The intrinsic characteristics and personality of the parent impacts the type of behavior modification employed by parents. Many experts suggest parents to get calm when they become angry or lose their control. Although it seems difficult to carry out, this may prove to be quite useful especially when one becomes quiet. Within the quiet period of time, one discovers alternative ways of reacting to the situation. Impulsive and violent reaction by parents can scare children and instill terror in children and can have adverse long term effects. Positive reinforcement is another alternative approach towards physical punishments and changing the behavior of children to make them disciplined (Banks, n.pag.). Parental attention is one of the major forms of positive reinforcement in which the parents should focus on good behavior and reward children for their positive gestures. But since human nature causes parents to focus more on bad behavior, positive reinforcement becomes hard to achieve. The reinforcement theory is based on the notion of modifying behavior on the basis of motivation thus rewarding for good behavior makes children more motivated to exhibit good behavior and be disciplined. Rewards do not necessarily have to be huge but simple rewards like smiles, appreciation, praise, and hugs can do. There is also a token economy system in which children are rewarded or given stars for good behavior and are reduced for bad behavior. These stars can later be redeemed for interesting prizes thereby helping children to become motivated to be disciplined (Banks, n.pag.). Another approach is to give mild punishments that are done only to discourage bad behavior. All good actions should be acknowledged and be appreciated by giving a reward. Also, it is central to consider that accidental actions or actions part of normal growth development should not be penalized. Wrong actions by children should not become a point for teasing or mocking (Banks, n.pag.). In order to eradicate undesired behavior, extinction approach is also another alternative to physical punishments. Ignoring children when they throw tantrums discourages the positive reinforcement for bad behavior. One form of the extinction approach is the time out method (Banks, n.pag.) during which bad behavior causes the child to be removed to a quiet location for a specific amount of time while the parent remains in close proximity. If the child continues the bad behavior, the time could be increased to a few more minutes so as to discourage the child from behaving badly. Time out approach is more suitable for children up to the age of 6 and is particularly useful for tantrums, complaining, aggression, and so on. The time out session should involve complete ignorance of the child until the allotted time ends. Although time out is not effective instantly however it may yield effective long term results. The main reason time outs may not be very effective is he parents’ inability to deal with constant complaining and hence failing to ignore the child. Another form of extinction is to keep back any reward until the child changes behavior. This method is more effective among older children and juveniles however frequent use of this technique may reduce its effectiveness (Banks, n.pag.). Physical punishments may also be replaced by verbal punishments that are usually more effective and employ a non-violent approach towards disciplining children. Scolding the child for bad behavior demonstrates discontent with the child’s actions and therefore provides an incentive for the child to stop. However, the use of verbal punishments including scolding should be restricted to serious situations and should not be used frequently. Verbal punishments when used alone reduce the effectiveness of the method (Banks, n.pag.). It should be particularly avoided during time out sessions because it reduces its effectiveness as well. Thus, physical punishments have many negative impacts on the development of children. Children should be disciplined using non-violent techniques so as to reduce the probability of aggression development in the child. Non-compliant behaviors by children can be dealt with using alternative disciplining techniques including verbal punishments, extinction approaches, positive reinforcements and so on. Violent behavior, shouting, and screaming should be avoided as it is not effective and has detrimental long term implications on the child. Therefore, it is recommended that such techniques should be used infrequently in order to maintain its effectiveness and parents will see a fruitful outcome. Works Cited Banks, J Burton. "Childhood Discipline: Challenges for Clinicians and Parents." American Family Physician, 66. 8 (2002): 1447. Print. Boutwell, Brian B, Cortney A Franklin, JC Barnes and Kevin M Beaver. "Physical Punishment and Childhood Aggression: The Role of Gender and Gene-Environment Interplay." Aggressive Behavior, 37. 6 (2011): 559-568. Print. Hasanv, Mohammad Khaledian and Ali Reza Merati. "The Relationship Of Physical Punishment With Aggression And Educational Failure In Children." Archives of Applied Science Research, 4. 6 (2012): 2453--2460. Print. Kandel, Elizabeth. "Physical Punishment and The Development of Aggressive and Violent Behavior: A Review." Never Hit A Child, 1992. Web. 9 Nov 2013. . Lee, Shawna J, Catherine A Taylor, Inna Altschul and Janet C Rice. "Parental Spanking and Subsequent Risk for Child Aggression in Father-Involved Families of Young Children." Children and Youth Services Review, (2013): Print. Read More