Parenting Styles; Changing Student Perceptions

Laurie Bangerter

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: BA.PSYCHOLOGY

Faculty Research Mentor: Franklin Turner

Abstract:

Title: Student Perceptions of Parental Corporal Punishment

Author: Laurie Bangerter, Department of Psychology, Kean University

Abstract:

There is vast literature documenting the adverse effects of parental corporal punishment. Despite the consensus among experts about the harms of spanking children, research indicates that the use of corporal punishment is widespread and largely accepted. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization strongly advise against the use of corporal punishment and seek to reduce its prevalence. The research will focus on how personal and cultural factors impact student attitudes around corporal punishment in order to gain insight not found in the existing quantitative research. Qualitative data will be collected from 2-3 focus groups of 6-8 participants each, to explore college students’ perceptions of corporal punishment. Thematic Analysis will be used to identify, analyze, and report themes within the data. The eventual goal for the study would be to use the insight gained to create more widespread and effective education of healthy discipline. Future research could use this work to determine approaches which provide parents and caregivers with the best chances of successfully correcting behaviors.

Keywords: Corporal punishment, Spanking, Child Development, Student Perceptions