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 - 2160 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.
Prevalence, Societal Causes, and Trends in Corporal Punishment by Parents in World Perspective (PDF - 589 KB)
Straus
Law and Contemporary Problems, 73(2), 2010
Presents some evidence of a worldwide reduction in the use of corporal punishment and social changes that may be producing the decrease. The article also addresses research regarding the harmful side effects of corporal punishment.
What's the Difference Between Discipline and Punishment? (PDF - 1740 KB)
Carlson (2009)
Explains for parents that discipline teaches a child the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior and should be a positive force focusing on what a child is allowed to do, whereas the goal of punishment is to inhibit unacceptable behavior.
Discipline versus physical abuse
Discipline and Development: A Meta-Analysis of Public Perceptions of Parents, Parenting, Child Development and Child Abuse (PDF - 292 KB)
Bostrom (2003)
Provides a review of research on child abuse and opinions regarding parenting, child development, child abuse and discipline, and more.
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.
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
Child Abuse and Culture: Working With Diverse Families
Fontes (2005)
View Abstract
Provides a framework for culturally competent practice in child maltreatment cases by helping workers address cultural concerns at each stage of the assessment and intervention process.
Corporal Punishment and the Cultural Defense (PDF - 154 KB)
Renteln
Law and Contemporary Problems, 73(2), 2010
Considers conceptual and defining issues surrounding corporal punishment, discusses the potential for misinterpreting cultural traditions as child abuse, presents possible criteria for investigating allegations of maltreatment, and reviews criminal and civil cases in which judges addressed the appropriateness of administering corporal punishment.
Cultural Contexts in Family Violence
Hines & Malley-Morrison (2005)
In Family Violence in the United States: Defining, Understanding, and Combating Abuse
View Abstract
Shares cultural perspectives in the following areas: Corporal punishment and child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, child neglect, spouse abuse, elder maltreatment, firearms, media violence, capital punishment, and social and economic inequality.
Determining Child Abuse and Neglect Across Cultures (PDF - 57 KB)
Bridging Refugee Youth and Children's Services (2005)
Explores the complexities of assessing abuse and neglect in refugee families, including a comparison of child-rearing practices between American parents and parents from different cultures.
The Development and Piloting of the ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool-Parent Version (ICAST-P)
Runyan, Dunne, Zolotor, Madrid, & Jain
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal, 33(11), 2009
View Abstract
Discusses a child abuse screening tool that can be administered to parents in a multinational and multicultural context and is sensitive to cultural disciplinary behaviors. The tool was developed with broad international input and tested in six countries and seven languages.
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.