The following resources present research and literature differentiating among physical discipline, corporal punishment, and physical child abuse.
When Does Discipline Become Child Abuse?
Morin (2017)
Very Well
Explains how the federal and state laws define physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. The page also includes information on what certain states consider reasonable and age-appropriate discipline.
Discipline versus physical abuse
From Sticks to Flowers: Guidelines for Child Protection Professionals Working With Parents Using Scripture to Justify Corporal Punishment
Vieth (2014)
William Mitchell Law Review, 40(3)
Presents information to help child protection professionals approach parents who cite religious justifications for the use of corporal punishment that potentially rises to the level of child abuse. The paper emphasizes the need for child protection professionals to understand parents' perspectives and acknowledge the importance of parents' religious beliefs
Hitting Kids: American Parenting and Physical Punishment
Cuddy & Reeves (2014)
The Brookings Institution
Addresses the long term effects of physical punishment in terms of child behavior and skill development. The page explains the stance governments in the U.S. and elsewhere adopt with regard to physical punishment of children.
Punishment vs. Abuse
Gundersen Center for Effective Discipline
Provides the portion of each state’s statute that delineates the difference between punishment and abuse.
Cultural context and ethnic differences
Cultural Approaches to Parenting
Bornstein (2012)
Parenting, Science and Practice, 12(2–3)
Discusses the relationship between culture and parenting and includes a brief account of a cross-cultural study of parenting. The article concludes by offering further research and practice implications.
Discipline, Parenting Styles and Abuse
Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance
Presents information on parenting styles, discipline, when discipline becomes abuse, and cultural influences of parenting.
The Effects of Parental Acculturation and Parenting Practices on the Substance Use of Mexican-Heritage Adolescents from Southwestern Mexican Neighborhoods
Castro, Marsiglia, Nagoshi, & Parsai (2014)
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, 13(3)
Reports the results of a study of Mexican and Mexican-American adolescents, examining the effects of parental reports of their communications with their child, their involvement with this child, and their positive parenting because these factors affect their child’s substance use behaviors. The study concludes with a discussion of the findings and suggestions for further research.