New meta-analysis research suggests that spanking leads to sexual problems later in life. Getting spankings as a kid raises one’s risk for “delinquent and anti-social behavior in childhood along with aggression, criminal and anti-social behavior and spousal or child abuse as an adult.” Furthermore, children whose parents physically punished them are later more likely to physically or verbally coerce a sexual partner, engage in risky sexual behavior or engage in masochistic sex, including – wait for it – “sexual arousal by spanking.” Electra Complex, anyone?
After 30 years of studying corporal punishment, Murray Straus, a spanking expert, concluded, “parents should never, ever spank because, although it does work, it’s no better than non-hitting methods that don’t have harmful side effects. If there was an FDA for spanking, they’d say use an alternative that doesn’t have harmful side effects.”
I wonder what it says on his business card. Here’s the thing – I feel like we’re talking about consistent, unnecessary corporal punishment. I was a good little girl, but every once in a great while I was incredibly naughty and probably deserved a single spank. When your generally well behaved 4-year-old daughter is running around the house in circles and screaming at the top of her lungs (true story), are there truly equally effective alternatives?
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