Research shows that spanking, which is considered a positive punishment, is not effective in improving behavior and instead increases aggressive and antisocial behaviors. Both the American Psychological Association Links to an external site. and the American Academy of Pediatrics Links to an external site. agree that caregivers should not spank children. Research also shows that using the operant principles of positive reinforcement (praising good behavior) and negative punishment (removing privileges for bad behavior) is highly effective. Before answering the discussion questions, read the article from the American Psychological Association.
Discussion questions:
What were the main points of the article?
Why do you think spanking remains so popular in the United States?
Do you think spanking children as a disciplinary approach is acceptable? Why/Why not?
Discussions
Gershoff et al spanking-1.pdf