Adults Beaten as Kids More Willing to Use Physical Discipline

Young adults who were physically punished as children are far more likely to say they intend to hit their own children in the future, compared with those who were not physically disciplined.

- Theresa Tan

This is one key finding from a new study which sheds light on how corporal punishment is passed down from one generation to the next, led by a psychology professor from Nanyang Technological University.

And this is especially pertinent in Singapore, where such practices remain common.

For example, 88 per cent of the study's respondents said they were beaten at least once during their childhood by their parents, and 79 per cent grew up with a cane at home. Being caned or hit by their parents' hands were the most common forms of discipline.

About 450 undergraduates in Singapore aged 18 to 29 were surveyed for the study.

Associate Professor Setoh Pei Pei, who led the study, said: "Caning a child is common in Singapore, though it's not so common in other countries. It's what we grow up with and what we think is normal.

"The norms are so strong that we may not really question or reflect: Does it have to be this way? We should take this opportunity to reflect on our approach to discipline.

"Not as a tool for punishment or control, but to guide and teach, and help our children learn the skills they need to make good choices on their own."

The study also found that children who were harshly disciplined — including being caned, kicked or slapped on the face — and subjected to threats, yelling and other forms of psychological aggression are more likely to be aggressive and have poorer mental well-being.

This is because excessively harsh punishment may strain the parent-child relationship, causing children to feel misunderstood or emotionally alone, Prof Setoh said.