Psychology

Parenting and discipline strategies are largely influenced by cultural factors. Research has shown that child-rearing practices are shaped through societal and cultural norms and greatly vary across cultures (Lansford et al, 2008). Discipline practices frequently applied in Europe and North America such as letting infants cry themselves to sleep or forbidding snacking between meals, may be considered abusive in other cultures. In a similar vein, traditional techniques of physical punishment used by parents of Asian, African or Latino-American origin may be viewed as harsh and unnecessary (Fontes, 2006).

Corporal punishment is defined as the use of physical force with the intention of causing a child to experience pain, but not injury, for the purpose of correction or control of the childs behavior (Straus  Donelly, 2001). Although it is widely used in various cultural settings, there is a growing debate in western societies about its role and its impact on child development. Serious concerns have arisen regarding the distinction between corporal punishment and physical abuse, its long-term efficacy as a discipline strategy and its association with violent behavior, delinquency and criminality (Lansford et al, 2008). A recent study by Lansford et al (2008) revealed that corporal punishment may lead children to endorse violent behaviors as adults, independently of cultural factors. In addition, the presence of violence in one social domain seems to be related to the spreading of violence to other aspects of social life (Lansford et al, 2008).

When counseling families about child-rearing practices, and especially discipline issues, cultural variables should be addressed. In this way, we can achieve our goal to protect and enhance childrens emotional, social and physical well-being, without ignoring or devaluating parents beliefs, traditions and expectations. In the case of corporal punishment, mental health professionals should take into account the familys cultural background. However, when physical punishment threatens the childs mental or physical health, then it should be considered as a form of physical or emotional abuse and be treated appropriately.