Evidence on smacking - Written by David Booth Effects of
smacking on a child's behaviour A quantitative evaluation
("meta-analysis") of all the published research on the
disciplining of children by use of physical punishment was
published in March 2005 by Robert E. Larzelere and Brett R. Kuhn
in Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review (volume 8, pages
1-37). The authors' conclusions indicate that both pro- and
anti-smacking lobbies should modify their standard positions in
the light of controlled studies of the effects of the
multifarious ways in which adults attempt to exert discipline
over children. As always of course, there are many issues that
need further research. Yet the review clearly illustrates how
relevant evidence can be obtained. Although the usual effects of
a smack are not the sole consideration, advocacy from principle,
experience or conviction should face these realities. Also the
level of public discussion needs to be raised by the
incorporation of distinctions among modes of discipline