Conclusion

After researching this controversial topic, the evidence does not appear to provide a strong enough link to support a well-founded conclusion, which is why it remains controversial. However, I believe the most solid evidence shows that CP can be used effectively so as to preserve a child's well-being and discipline her at the same time. Although there is much research showing that negative behaviors are associated with CP, one must still consider that the behaviors could be present previous to the use of CP, which may actually be a response to the behaviors. A quote from Diana Baumrind (2001) sums up this point well:

“Public trust in the integrity of evidence-based social policy recommendations is undermined by selective use of weak evidence to support an unqualified assertion that physical punishment harms children and hurts society, and therefore should be criminalized or stigmatized. Methodologically strong studies have not established that normative physical punishment is a causal risk factor for the detrimental child outcomes with which it may be associated. Although a value judgment that spanking is wrong is properly defended by its adherents on ethical grounds, a blanket injunction against disciplinary spanking is not warranted by causally relevant scientific evidence (Baumrind, 2001, last para.).”

There is, of course, more sources from which I base my conclusion.

On top of the uncertainties connected with the issue, I find a piece of statistical data to be most telling. From 79% to 97% (IAY) of three year old children experience CP in any given year. Although I have come across numerous varying statistics of this kind, none fell below 60%. No matter which end you take from, that is a large portion of the nation's youth, teens, and adults who have been spanked in their lives. If even half the negative associations presented by Gershoff (2002) were directly caused by CP, then society would have a massive problem on its hands. While researchers such as Straus deny the validity of statements like “I was spanked as a child and I turned out just fine,” it appears as though this statement is true for huge amounts of people who are leading normal lives. Of course, there are people who have suffered from severe physical punishment that will affect them most or all of their lives.

Obviously, CP is not a foolproof disciplinary system. Parents need to pay careful attention so as to not rely fully on physical punishments and to find a combination of physical and nonphysical punishments that will be effective for their children. Parents should make sure to explain clearly the incentives for their child to behave. This way, the chances of the child not internalizing morals will decrease, hopefully lessening the likelihood that they will develop undesirable behavrios as a result. Until more relevant research can be completed, it is my opinion that Larzelere's guidelines for effective punishment represent the best use of CP.