For the purpose of distinguishing between Corporal Punishment (CP) and Physical Abuse, I will use the definition of corporal punishment as defined by Straus (1994a).
“Corporal punishment is the use of physical force with the intention of causing a child to experience pain but not injury for the purposes of correction or control of the child’s behavior”
I consider anything beyond this limited definition of CP to be physical abuse.
Physical abuse as defined by the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information (2000), is: "Physical abuse is characterized by the infliction of physical injury as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, shaking or otherwise harming a child. The parent or caretaker may not have intended to hurt the child, rather the injury may have resulted from over-discipline or physical punishment. (What Are the Main Types of Maltreatment? section, para. 2)"
Just to be clear, I'm personally and professional opposed to the use of corporal punishment and physical abuse. This is my bias. I make every effort to focus on helping parents develop constructive methods for addressing unwanted behaviors and for teaching children the adaptive behaviors, values, and character traits they will need to become successful adults.
Parents have approximately 6,600 days between birth and age 18 to gradually guide their children toward adulthood. Unless someone is on fire or gushing blood - there is no emergency or critical behavior that needs to be 'fixed' right this moment with the use of physical force. Take a step-back, take a breath, relax, and make a coherent and constructive plan.
Neither corporal punishment nor physical abuse is effective in correcting children's behavior.
Punishments, even severe punishments, only serve to suppress an unwanted behavior within a specific situational context, but not elsewhere in the child's life. Suppressing an unwanted behavior does nothing to address underlying drivers or to teach new, adaptive behaviors. Suppression is temporary. The behavior will be back. Many parents find this to be very frustrating, contributing to an ever increasing level of punishment severity.
Corporal Punishment should never be utilized to address children's behavior, except only under the direct supervision and guidance of a team of highly qualified professionals to address a very specific set of severe and extreme behaviors.
If your family is struggling with this level of severity, please do consult with a team of highly trained and highly qualified medical and behavioral experts.
Kenneth H. Little, MA / 135 Lee Brook Road / Thornton, NH 03285 / 603-726-1006 / Achieve-ES.com
