Exploring the communicative nature of corporal punishment |
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| Authors: | Jeffrey W Kassing Kevin J Pearce Dominic A Infante Susan M Pyles |
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| Institution: | 1. Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies , Arizona State University West , Phoenix, AZ, 85069–7100;2. Assistant Professor of Communication in the Department of English and Humanities , Bryant College , Smithfield, RI, 02917;3. Professor emeritus in the School of Communication Studies , Kent State University , Kent, OH, 44242;4. Training and Development Coordinator , Ohio Savings Bank |
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| Abstract: | Extensive research in sociology and psychology suggests that corporal punishment of children is a serious problem because it increases the risk of physical and psychological harm. In the present study we utilized a recently developed communication framework to investigate corporal punishment. We derived two hypotheses and conducted a study of 178 college students. Following established procedures, we asked respondents to report about corporal punishment during a period of their youth. Participants rated each parent and themselves on aggressive communication measures. They also rated themselves on assault tendencies, anger, self‐esteem, and intentions to use corporal punishment. Support for our two hypotheses revealed that when participants recalled receiving higher levels of corporal punishment they perceived their parents to be higher in verbal aggressiveness. Furthermore, they reported being higher in assault tendencies, anger, and intentions to use corporal punishment with their children. |
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