Study Finds Physical Punishment Causes Only Negative Outcomes for Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

A comprehensive study published in Nature Human Behaviour confirms that physically punishing children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) results exclusively in negative consequences. The research, analyzed by a team led by Jorge Cuartas from NYU Steinhardt, examined 195 studies spanning from 2002 to 2024, involving data from 92 LMICs.

The findings reveal that physical punishment—including spanking, shaking, and smacking—is strongly correlated with poorer outcomes across a wide range of domains: deteriorated parent-child relationships, increased victimization and perpetration of violence, mental health issues, substance abuse, lower academic achievement, impaired language and social-emotional skills, behavioral problems, sleep disturbances, and early childhood developmental delays. Interestingly, no positive effects were linked to such disciplinary methods.

While many high-income countries have implemented bans on corporal punishment since the 2006 call from the United Nations to prohibit acts of physical discipline, approximately 65 countries worldwide have enacted partial or full bans. Despite this, physical punishment remains prevalent in many regions, especially where it is culturally normative.

Cuartas emphasizes that these findings challenge the notion that physical punishment might have different effects depending on cultural context. "The consistency and strength of these results suggest that physical punishment is harmful universally, regardless of social norms," he states. More research is needed to develop effective strategies for preventing physical violence in child discipline practices globally.

This study underscores the importance of eliminating physical punishment and adopting positive disciplinary approaches to promote healthy psychological, emotional, and social development in children.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-physical-exclusively-negative-outcomes-children.html