1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« The first objective is to test the links between childhood experiences with CP and physical abuse, and favorable attitudes toward CP. [...] The second objective is to explore the link between the level of perceived frequency of physical injuries resulting from CP and the adoption of favorable attitudes toward CP. » (p. 1289)

Questions/Hypothèses :
« [I]t is hypothesized that spanking in childhood, but not severe physical abuse, will predict favorable attitudes toward spanking, whereas other childhood experiences with violence and abuse (exposure to domestic violence, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse) and sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents (age, gender, and education) are taken into account. » (p. 1289)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
« Analyses were performed with survey data collected from a representative sample of 1,000 adults from Quebec, Canada [from] the Marie-Vincent Foundation, a private organization devoted to child abuse prevention. » (p. 1285; 1289)

Instruments :
« In addition of sociodemographic variables [...], questions were asked to measure, among others, (a) attitudes toward spanking, (b) perception of how often physical injuries result from CP, and (c) various experiences with violence and abuse in childhood, including psychological abuse, spanking, and more severe physical violence, exposure to domestic violence, and sexual abuse before age 18 years. Most items [of this questionnaire] were taken from available family violence surveys conducted in North America. » (p. 1290)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

« This study identifies predictors of favorable attitudes toward spanking. [...] According to this survey, a majority of respondents endorsed spanking, despite their recognition of potential harm associated with corporal punishment (CP) of children. The prediction model of attitudes toward spanking included demographics, experiencing or witnessing various forms of family violence and abuse in childhood, and perceived frequency of physical injuries resulting from CP. Spanking was the most reported childhood experience (66.4%), and most violence and abuse predictors were significantly and positively correlated. Older respondents who were spanked in childhood and who believed that spanking never or seldom results in physical injuries were the most in favor of spanking. On the other hand, respondents who reported more severe physical violence or psychological abuse in childhood were less in favor of spanking. Findings are discussed in terms of prevention of CP and family coercion cycle. » (p. 1285)