Parents with more difficult childhoods are more likely to spank their children

The important message is that corporal punishment is a risk that can increase potential problems for children’s development, and following a precautionary principle, parents and policymakers should work toward trying to reduce its prevalence.

“Spanking places children at risk for many poor outcomes across their lifespan. It is important to do work that can inform and promote prevention efforts to improve the safety and well-being of children.” The study sheds light on the links between childhood experiences of parents and the parenting practices in their adult family. 

In recent decades, studies have linked the use of physical punishment on children to multiple adverse outcomes in adulthood, including increased likelihood of mental and physical health problems, substance use, aggression, antisocial behavior, poor cognitive behaviors and others.

Anxiety can trigger depression and other behavioral physical and mental health issues. It is especially hard if you are dealing with other personal, work, relationship, or family-related issues. It is okay to ask for help.