Physical Discipline Use and Child Behavior Problems in Low-Income, High-Risk African American Families

The present study examined the relationship between the use of physical discipline and subsequent child behavior problems and aggressive behaviors in a sample of 69 low-income, high-risk African American mothers who had children between the ages of 3 and 25 months at the start of the study. Physical discipline use was considered in conjunction with maternal demographic characteristics, maternal psychological functioning, parenting processes, and children's characteristics. Research Findings: The majority (54%) of parents in this sample reported using physical discipline. Physical discipline use was significantly correlated with parenting stress, child age, and child behavior problems. Child gender, low levels of maternal warmth, and the use of physical discipline measured at Time 1 predicted problem behaviors approximately 1 year later. Practice or Policy: Practitioners interested in implementing programs to reduce maternal use of physical discipline need to include mothers of very young children in their efforts. Moreover, efforts to positively influence parenting practices and resulting child outcomes should address parenting stress levels.