Harsh physical punishment creates long term problems

Many may be familiar with the Adverse Childhood Experiences research. This powerful, robust work helps us to see that negative events in childhood have long term implications for physical and emotional health. A new study published in Paediatrics online this week adds to the data that what goes on in childhood has significant implications for our health as adults.

Drawing on data from the US National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, which has a sample size of 34,226 people, the researchers were able to conclude:

Harsh physical punishment was associated with higher odds of cardiovascular disease (borderline significance), arthritis, and obesity after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, family history of dysfunction, and Axis I and II mental disorders (adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.20 to 1.30).

This is important as we really come to understand that even in the absence of childhood maltreatment, harsh physical discipline does not lead to the desired outcome of better adults. This is important data in the ongoing debate about the use of corporal punishment. Consistently we see little objective data that supports its use.

Reference:

Harsh Physical Punishment in Childhood and Adult Physical Health

1. Tracie O. Afifi
, PhD, 
2. Natalie Mota, MA, 
3. Harriet L. MacMillan, MD, FRCPC, and 
4. Jitender Sareen, MD, FRCPC.