We all certainly understand that physical punishment is an ineffective way to discipline a child in the short run, but the long run complications have not been well studied – at least not until this week. Afifi et al. (
doi: 10.1542/peds. 2011-2947) share the results of their analysis of data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. These investigators studied the association between harsh physical punishment in childhood in the absence of more severe child maltreatment and mental health disorders as adults. The results are disturbing to say the least — but certainly define an association between these two that needs to be shared with parents from the moment of their child’s birth and shared again during health maintenance visits. Take a time out and read this article, which could change limit-setting behaviors in a way that will benefit your patients not just during childhood but in their adult lives too.
