This is the fourth and final
installment of Spanking and Science, if you missed the others or would like the
hyperlinks for studies, please look back to parts 1,2, and 3.
Dr. Mark Roberts at Idaho
State University has conducted the only four randomized controlled clinical
trials of physical discipline ever done.
His goal was to determine the single best intervention for reinforcing discipline
after a child’s escape from time-out. A
spank method (similar to the other researchers) was tested against 3 other
interventions, barrier (room time out), holding, and release (allowing escape
from time-out).
The most effective methods
were the spank and the barrier methods.
The spank procedure involved two open handed swats to the rear end and
then returning the child to time-out.
The barrier method involved taking the child to a small 4x5 carpeted
room and barricading them inside with a sheet of plywood for a brief period of time,
then placing the child back in time-out. The other two methods, holding and release
were far less efficacious.
Though spank and barrier were
clearly the most effective measures used, parents preferred the spank method in
the home environment (64%.) The room requirement
for the proper barrier punishment was not as practical for parents. Others have attempted to repeat portions of
these randomized clinical trials and have reproduced the results: “mild spanking is the most feasible back-up
for the child who leaves time-out” according to Forehand and McMahon (1981.)
Roberts’s studies are
significant for many reasons. They are the
type of study that enables definitive conclusions to be drawn. Furthermore, they compared spanking to other
methods of discipline thus answering the million dollar question as to the
effectiveness of spanking in a specific situation. Spanking is clearly effective in changing
problem behavior.
Non-compliance with time-out
is similar to other defiant behaviors a child may initiate such as biting,
refusing to comply, hitting, or running away.
Spanking strengthens compliance with time out, a crucial part of its
effectiveness, and reduces the need for spanking as primary punishment method
in the long-run.
In conclusion, the question as
to whether it is beneficial to spank or not to spank a child has not been
definitively answered and additional studies would be helpful. Currently, across the country, pediatricians
and psychologists are split 50-50 on the value of spanking as are parents
meaning there are no easy answers. The
main studies reviewed over my four posts included those conducted by Drs.
Larzelere, Baumrind, Gershoff, and Roberts as they are considered to be experts;
all with differing opinions of their own.
Parents need MORE
disciplinary options, not less, to maximize the flexible use of non-abusive
alternatives. Personally, after reviewing the literature extensively, I would suggest
a few nuances to my original article. Parents
should switch disciplinary tactics when the initial one is not working, rather
than increasing the intensity of the first tactic as there is solid science to
support this very important recommendation. Spanking is most effective when used between
the ages of 2-6 and should begin phase out as a child turns 7. It is strictly defined as two swats to the
buttocks with an open hand. A good
benchmark if using spanking as discipline would be less than three times per
week. Finally, it is not a recommended tactic for use with teenagers (not
surprising.)
Research does not support the
use of an object and in general, that would not be my automatic recommendation
for everyone. However, I do use a wooden
spoon and would like to comment on that specifically. For
me, picking up the wooden spoon is my signal to calm down and not strike in
anger. This action makes me stop, take a
deep breath, and think about whether or not a spank is truly necessary and
warranted given the circumstance. Often,
I simply put it down and try something else.
All four of my children are 7
and under at the present time, so I am literally in the thick of the very age
group covered by most studies on physical discipline. I learned a great deal delving into the
scientific details and I sincerely thank all of you for joining me on this
journey.
My recommendations unknowingly
echoed what the research already supports by trusting my instincts, and I
believe it is vital for parents to trust themselves and do what feels appropriate. All of us can learn more about parenting,
this pediatrician included. I hope as a parent yourself, you feel more
confident in whatever discipline decisions you do make.
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