Normative beliefs, expectations, and use of corporal punishment: Findings from an RDD community survey

INTRODUCTION: Corporal punishment (CP) is a highly prevalent and strong risk factor for child maltreatment and increases risk for poor child outcomes and aggression. Approval of CP is a strong predictor of CP use; U.S. approval ratings of CP are highest in the South (80%). This study examined associations between parents' perceived norms and their own attitudes toward CP, expected outcomes of CP, and their use of CP.

METHODS: A random digit dial survey was conducted among adults in a Southern city who had at least one child in their household (n=500). All predictors (parents' attitudes toward CP, perceived norms regarding CP, and expected outcomes of using CP) were assessed using a Likert-type scale. CP use was coded as a binary outcome. Logistic regressions were conducted controlling for child age. Potential covariates also were assessed.

RESULTS: Positive attitudes towards CP increased the odds of using CP (OR=4.5 [95%CI=3.4-6.1]). Perceived norms and expected outcomes of CP were all highly correlated with parents' attitudes toward CP (range 0.47-0.67). Perceived norms that family/friends or professionals favored CP were associated with higher odds of CP use (2.5[1.9-31] and 2.9[2.2-3.8], respectively). Expectation of positive outcomes and not expecting negatives outcomes also were associated with CP use (2.5[2.0-3.3] and 1.8[1.5-2.3], respectively). Almost one-third used CP; reports peaked when the child was age 3 (48%).

DISCUSSION: Findings will inform the development of a multi-level intervention designed to change actual and perceived normative beliefs regarding CP in order to reduce rates of CP and risk for child maltreatment.