Research Findings

Issue & Background

There are many highly effective programs that can prevent child physical abuse (CPA). Yet, there is a need to assess approaches designed to reach all parents in universal settings, such as hospitals, pediatric clinics, and other social service settings. This gap was evidenced in our 2014 systematic review.

Intervention

In a 2018 study, we demonstrated that institutional interventions, such as a No Hit Zone (NHZ) policy implemented in hospitals, can effectively shift staff attitudes toward physical punishment and increase willingness to intervene in incidents of parent-to-child violence.

Building on this, a 2023 study found that an NHZ bystander training component significantly reduces staff support for physical punishment while increasing knowledge and confidence in intervention practices.

Together, these studies strengthen the empirical foundation for universal CPA prevention by showcasing the feasibility of these approaches to change social norms and empower bystanders in universal settings. 

Publications

Issue & Background

The CDC defines child physical abuse as including “the use of physical force, such as hitting” children.

Our prior research documented through these three papers has shown that parents’ attitudes toward hitting children for discipline are strongly associated with their perceived attitudes of key professionals on this topic, especially pediatricians. 

Intervention

In past papers from this group, we found that parents identify pediatricians as the most credible professional source of advice for child discipline, a majority of pediatricians disapproved of CP use, and pediatricians tended to underestimate their colleagues’ disapproval of this behavior.

We also found that pediatricians are highly motivated to do this work; however, there is a great need for improved training on how to best educate parents on this topic. This research suggests that there is a need to better train pediatricians in how to effectively engage with and advise parents so as to reduce child physical abuse.

Publications

Issue & Background

Along with pediatricians, other health professionals also play an important role in changing norms regarding violence against children and preventing child physical abuse. 

In these studies, we found that a majority of physicians and other direct care health professionals disapproved of physical punishment, often witnessed parent-to-child hitting in healthcare settings, and often had the opportunity to intervene without feeling prepared to do so. These professionals tended to underestimate their colleagues’ disapproval of this behavior.

Intervention

In 2019, one of our studies examined how a mother’s primary support person influences her attitudes and use of corporal punishment. A study led by Dr. Gershoff in 2025 found that American parents are more accepting of violence against children than pets or other adults.

At the macro level, one of our studies led by Fleckman in 2023 provided updated national data on support for legislative bans on physical punishment in homes and schools.

Together, these studies illuminate the role of perceived norms, close social influences, and beliefs in shaping public attitudes and behaviors, highlighting key targets for changing cultural acceptance of physical punishment.

Publications

Issue & Background

There is an overwhelming scientific and professional consensus that any form of violence against children, including hitting children for discipline or physical punishment, is harmful and disruptive for healthy child development.

Yet support for physical punishment remains stubbornly high among U.S. adults, with many believing that hitting children is necessary for good discipline. These three studies examine the multiple factors that sustain this support. 

Intervention

In 2019, one of our studies examined how a mother’s primary support person influences her attitudes and use of corporal punishment. A study led by Dr. Gershoff in 2025 found that American parents are more accepting of violence against children than pets or other adults.

At the macro level, one of our studies led by Fleckman in 2023 provided updated national data on support for legislative bans on physical punishment in homes and schools.

Together, these studies illuminate the role of perceived norms, close social influences, and beliefs in shaping public attitudes and behaviors, highlighting key targets for changing cultural acceptance of physical punishment.

Publications

Issue & Background

Violence is a learned behavior that children most frequently learn in the home. Violence that is perceived as “normal” at home, such as physical punishment, is perhaps the most insidious and accepted way that the cycle of violence continues. 

Intervention

We sought to identify how physical punishment in childhood translated to future violence or mental health challenges. These studies found that children who experienced physical punishment in childhood had higher aggression at age 5, at increased risk for mental health challenges in adulthood, and had a higher likelihood of perpetrating dating violence. aggressive behavior and/or behavioral health challenges through adolescence and adulthood.

Together, these findings highlight how physical punishment contributes to a lasting cycle of violence and psychological harm.

Publications