Child and parent characteristics associated with Canadian parents’ reports of spanking

Date

2014

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health

Abstract

We examined self-reported use of spanking as a discipline strategy in a Canadian sample of mothers and fathers (N = 2,340) of children aged 2 to 12 years using data from the International Parenting Survey–Canada. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between reported use of spanking and child characteristics (age, gender, disability status, and behaviour problems), adult demographic characteristics (age at birth of child, marital status, education, employment, and income inadequacy), as well as parent attitudes toward spanking. Approximately one quarter of parents reported spanking their child. Child age, parent education, employment, and income inadequacy had significant associations with reported spanking. When controlling for child and parent demographic characteristics, parent reports of child behaviour and parent attitudes toward spanking also had strong relationships with reported spanking. Results are discussed in relation to previous findings and in terms of implications for parenting interventions. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, corporal punishment, risk factors, research, Canada, International Resources

Citation

Perron, J. L., Lee, C. M., LaRoche, K. J., Ateah, C., Clément, M. È., & Chan, K. (2014). Child and parent characteristics associated with Canadian parents’ reports of spanking. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 33(2), 31-45.

DOI