Four studies: smacking leads to sexual coersion and risky sex
April 22, 2009
Dr Murray Straus is a Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of the Family Research Laboratory at the University of New Hampshire, and a former president of the National Council on Family Relations.
In February 2008, he gave a presentation to the American Psychological Association Summit Conference on Violence and Abuse in Interpersonal Relationship entitled Corporal Punishment of Children and Sexual Behavior Problems: results from four studies.
The studies show some interesting yet frightening results about the effects of smacking children, including
- The more smacking, the more antisocial behaviour two years later
- Smacking is related to physical aggression, psychological aggression, and property crimes
- Corporal punishment before age 12 significantly increases the probability of future verbal and physical sexual coersion
- Corporal punishment as a child significantly increases the probability of risky sex (insisting on sex without a condom and approval of violence)
- The more corporal punishment as a child, the greater the probability of risky sex as an adult
Many people who condone smacking their children say that it should only be done lovingly, but Straus’s research shows that the link between corporal punishment and masochistic sex is greatest when the parents are warm and loving.
Straus’s presentation concludes with a suggestion that birth certificates should contain a warning:
Spanking has been shown to be dangerous to your child’s health and well being.
For more information, download the presentation.
