Corporal punishment and behavioral problems in adolescents

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between corporal punishment in the family environment and behavioral problems in adolescents. Fifteen primary and secondary students aged 12 to 15 years old with aggressive behaviors at school participated in the study. The teenagers were interviewed about disciplinary practices used by their parents. The occurrence of corporal punishment was reported and the main reasons for this relate the lack of obedience to the involvement in situations of violence at school. Corporal punishment occurs by means of spanking, blows, and kicks which cause reactions of anger, sadness and fear as well as the understanding that their parents were stressed at the moment of the aggressive acts. Reports approving the use of corporal punishment in a moderate form were identified, which highlight the intergenerational transmission of violence, however, the discipline of behaviors through dialogue was considered important. The results highlight that corporal punishment used in the family context presents repercussions in aggressive behaviors of adolescents in school.