Spanking has been considered inappropriate parenting for many years, because it is known to be related to poor physical health, social, behavioral, and development outcomes. But now a new study has found that spanking is trauma.
Trauma is one of the Five Causative Factors in Self-Acceptance Psychology, because many studies have found that frightening events and experiences directly affect mental health. The benchmark study on trauma is titled ACES for Adverse Childhood Experiences Study and I write about it in my page on trauma.
This latest study finds that spanking in childhood “was associated with an increased likelihood of suicide attempts, moderate to heavy drinking, and use of street drugs in adulthood.”
To me, this makes common sense, of course, because if a parent spanks repeatedly, it indicates a parent:
- who is not warm and loving
- who lacks impulse control
- who is unable to regulate his or her emotions around a child
- who does not do what is in the best interest of the child
- who is self-absorbed and
- who lacks empathy for others.
This all indicates a parent who lacks emotional intelligence and signals an inability to attune to or care about the child’s emotional or physical well being. Attachment theory tells us that a parent’s warm, unconditional, and calm demeanor around a child builds connection and acceptance. Spanking certainly is the opposite.
Parents: If you needed any further evidence, this study is it. Do not spank your child.
…be kind to yourself