Psychologists Call Physical Discipline In Children Can Have A Bad Impact On Mental Health

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JAKARTA - Scientific evidence shows that physical discipline towards children carried out by parents or caregivers can endanger children's mental health. And it may increase their tendency to aggressive behavior. This statement was made by Kim I. Mills, a child psychologist, quoted from the release of the American Psychological Association news, Monday, September 11.

On the other hand, a form of discipline that encourages children to behave positively. It is proven that it can increase communication that respects each other and teaches conflict resolution collaboratively.

Research shows that physical discipline is ineffective in achieving the long-term goals of parents, which reduces aggressive and challenging behavior in children. Research on the adverse effects associated with physical discipline shows that the short-term benefits felt from physical discipline are no greater than losses from this form of discipline.

The study noted that children learned from the behavior exemplified by their parents. And therefore physical discipline can teach the practice of resolving unwanted conflicts. There is also evidence that the physical discipline carried out by caregivers can increase to physical violence.

"The use of physical punishment for children has decreased in the United States over the past 50 years," said research chief Phillips Davis, PhD.

"We hope this resolution will make more parents and caregivers realize that other forms of discipline other than physical discipline can be effective and even more likely to produce the behavior they want to see in children," Davis continued.

While there is confidence that physical discipline is an effective way to eliminate unwanted child behavior or to encourage children to comply with the demands of their parents, unfortunately there is no consistent scientific evidence that physical discipline makes children tend to stop unwanted behavior.

"Research has shown that physical discipline is no better than other disciplinary methods, nor does it increase the positive results that parents are looking for, such as the development of conscience or behavior and positive influence," Davis said.

On the other hand, using physical violence to discipline children can actually increase the problem of behavior in children. Although cultural and religious differences in attitudes and beliefs regarding physical discipline may contribute to the use of physical discipline, according to research, the bad effects remain the same.

Positive parenting skills such as exemplifying regular behavior, mutual respect for communication, and collaborative conflict resolution. It is more likely to generate the desired behavior and grow a more positive and supportive family environment.