The following resources present research and literature differentiating among physical discipline, corporal punishment, and physical child abuse.
Positive Discipline: What It Is and How to Do It (PDF - 2,160 KB)
Durrant (2007)
Addresses issues surrounding corporal punishment and uses four basic principles to explain the links among positive discipline and child development, effective parenting, and children's rights.
Discipline versus physical abuse
Mothers' Spanking of 3-Year-Old Children and Subsequent Risk of Children's Aggressive Behavior
Taylor, Manganello, Lee, & Rice
Pediatrics, 125(5), 2010
View Abstract
Presents study findings that suggest even minor forms of corporal punishment such as spanking may increase risk for child aggressive behavior. The study controlled for a number of potential confounding factors and key demographics.
Punishment vs. Abuse
Gundersen Center for Effective Discipline
Lists the portion of each State’s statute that delineates the difference between punishment and abuse
Report on Physical Punishment in the United States: What Research Tells Us About Its Effects on Children (PDF - 508 KB)
Gershoff (2008)
Presents a synthesis of research, concluding that physical punishment does not improve children's behavior in the long term, puts children at greater risk of serious injury and long-term negative outcomes, and makes it more likely that children will be defiant and aggressive in the future.
Where and How to Draw the Line Between Reasonable Corporal Punishment and Abuse (PDF - 310 KB)
Coleman, Dodge, & Campbell
Law and Contemporary Problems, 73(2), 2010
Discusses definitions of corporal punishment among legislatures, child protective services, and the courts; describes cultural norms regarding parental autonomy; and proposes several policy changes to address corporal punishment and nonaccidental physical injuries.
Cultural context and ethnic differences
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.
Immigration, Acculturation and Parenting (PDF - 369 KB)
Bornstein and Bohr (2011)
Explores the extent to which immigrant parents' caregiving cognitions and practices change when they migrate from one culture to another and the unique challenges and stressors parents face in acculturating. The paper identifies continuing research gaps and discusses implications of the findings for parents, services, and policy.