Definitions

There can be a fine line between CP and child abuse, however, the definition offered by Straus (1994a as cited by Gershoff (2002) seems to fit with the general conception of what CP is. CP can be classified as “the use of physical force with the intention of causing a child to experience pain but not injury for the purposes of correction or control of the child's behavior” (Gershoff, 2002 p. 540). When the discipline causes injury, that is generally where CP turns into abuse.

There are two types of CP: Instrumental and Impulsive (Gershoff, 2002). When CP is used regularly as a discipline method by parents who look favorably on it, it is considered instrumental. When CP occurs irregularly and only as a last resort for when other methods fail, it is considered impulsive.