NCJ Number
245446
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: April 2013 Pages: 265-275
Date Published
April 2013
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined attitudes toward Section 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code which gives parents the right to use reasonable physical force for discipline purposes.
Abstract
There remains considerable societal support for child corporal punishment, despite much research about its ineffectiveness and potential harm to children. The authors examined attitudes toward Section 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code which gives parents the right to use reasonable physical force for discipline purposes. The authors also examined attitude change and predictors of this change. Participants (N=212) completed an on-line study, which found that 39.2 percent disagreed with ending Section 43. Upon presentation of corporal punishment-related information, the majority (63.8-70.5 percent) now indicated being in favor of ending Section 43. Attitude change was highest for information on the potential for child abuse. Socio-demographics (ethnicity, religion), childhood disciplinary experiences (non-punitive discipline), and discipline perceptions (parental warmth/involvement) predicted attitude change. Results indicate that providing information about corporal punishment is key to changing attitudes toward parents' legal right to its use. Also, parental background and childhood discipline characteristics may differentially influence the amount of attitude change. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.