Study: Happier Kids Grow Up To Be Healthier

May 7, 2009

Science Daily reports that children who can stay focused and aren’t prone to stress have a better shot at good health in adulthood.

“This longitudinal study [download] provides more evidence that behavior and emotions generally linked to certain temperaments play a crucial role in long-term health,” said lead author Laura D. Kubzansky, PhD, of the Harvard School of Public Health. Fortunately, early childhood characteristics can be shaped and guided by social, family and peer interactions. Interventions can focus on altering certain ways of responding and behaviors that frequently accompany particular traits to prevent certain diseases.”

Given that hitting children can cause long-lasting anxiety, social withdrawal, night terrors, and severe depression, we can say with some confidence that smacking children is bad for their long-term mental as well as physical health.