Adversarial Childhood Experiences and Spanking Are Similarly Associated with Early Behavior Problems

DOI: https : //doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.01.072

In this study.

Childhood Adversity Experiences (ACE) and spanking were shown to be relevant in predicting externalizing behaviors in children. The results support the need to consider corporal punishment as a form of ACE, and the researchers emphasize the need to assess young children's exposure to ACE and corporal punishment, and to provide appropriate interventions for children at risk.

Commentary

A prospective, longitudinal analysis of 2380 families in the Vulnerable Families and Child Well-Being Study was conducted, which resulted in a study investigating whether childhood adversity experiences and corporal punishment are risk factors for behavior problems in early childhood. Subject mothers reported externalizing and internalizing behavior problems at age 5. 3 years later, ACE ( β = .028; P < .001) and spanking ( β = .041; P < .001) were described as unique risk factors for increased externalizing behavior problems at 5 years, after adjusting for covariates. The magnitude of the association between ACE and spanking with externalizing behavior was statistically indistinguishable, and ACE did not moderate the association between spanking and externalizing behavior.

It has been suggested that spanking children in the name of discipline is of no benefit to them.