Effectiveness of Corporal Punishment to the Child Compared to Positive Discipline in the Home Environment
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine and compare the effectiveness of corporal punishment and positive discipline methods in shaping child behavior, emotional well-being, and overall development within the context of the home environment. The study aims to achieve the following specific objectives:
- To systematically analyze and compare the immediate and long-term effects of corporal punishment and positive discipline techniques on children’s behavior.
- To investigate how corporal punishment and positive discipline methods influence children’s emotional well-being, including self-esteem, anxiety, and emotional resilience.
- To explore the potential influence of disciplinary approaches on children’s cognitive development, focusing on factors such as problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and critical thinking.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWD OF RELATED LITERATURE
Defining Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment is defined as intentional application of physical pain as a method of behaviour change (Straus, & Mouradian, 1998). It include a wide variety of methods such as hitting, slapping, spanking, punching, kicking, pinching, shaking, shoving, choking, use of various objects (i.e. wooden paddles, belts, sticks, pins, or others), painful body postures (such as placing in closed space), use of electric shock, use of excessive exercise drills, or prevention of urine or stool elimination (Gershoff, & Bitensky, 2007). However, corporal punishment in schools does not refer to the occasional need of a school official to restrain dangerous students or use physical force as a means of protecting members of the school community subject to imminent danger (Human Rights Watch, 1999). While the word “corporal” derived from the Latin “corpus” meaning a body, the term “punishment” comes from the same root (Latin poena) as do the words “penalty” and “pain.” (Maurer, 1974). Thus, corporal punishment unmistakably means inflicting pain upon the body of the person, usually by some instrument such as a cane, strap or other object by parents, by school personnel or by judicial officers. The aim is to award punishment in the hope of guiding recipients away from error, effecting a reformation, or performing an action in the interest of order, rule, or control by authority.
Prevalence of Corporal Punishment in Nigeria
Many studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of corporal punishment and it seems that the majority of researchers found the end results of corporal punishment to be unpredictable. Even if this punishment discourages misbehaviour it does not foster appropriate behaviour. It is also argued that corporal punishment negatively affects relationships and often creates resentment and hostility which have been associated with dropout and vandalism (Shaikhnag, Assan & Loate, 2015). For example, variety of surveys has shown the prevalence of school corporal punishment in Nigeria to control or change children’s behaviour. These surveys show that the use of implements occurs in any setting (including the home, school, and workplace) and by individuals (teachers, parents and other caregivers, authority figures and strangers) or groups. For instance, according to UNICEF survey that focused on violent acts inflicted on children by caregivers and other family members; authority figures; peers and strangers, both within and outside the home, over 60% of adults in Nigeria think that physical punishment is necessary to raise/educate children. In terms of subjection of children to corporal punishment, 91% of children in Nigeria aged 2 to 14 years experienced violent discipline (psychological aggression and/or physical punishment) in the home in the month before the survey. Also, 79% of children aged 2 to 14 years experienced physical punishment and 81% of children aged 2 to 14 years experienced psychological aggression (being shouted at, yelled at, screamed at or insulted). Over 30% of children experience severe physical punishment (hitting the child on the head, ears or face or hitting the child hard and repeatedly) (UNICEF, 2014). In another study that looked at the situation of children and women in Nigeria, and measured key indicators that would allow the country to monitor progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other internationally agreed upon commitments, carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics, it was shown that 90% of children ages 2-14 years were subjected to at least one form of psychological or physical punishment by household members in Nigeria during the month before the survey. In addition, about 34 percent of children were subjected to severe physical punishment (National Bureau of Statistics, 2011). A similar study that examined eye injuries resulting from corporal punishment in school settings, and involving 172 elementary school teachers in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, found that 80% of surveyedrespondents had seen pupils being punished by the school teachers with a cane; 46% had seen pupils being punished with a horse-whip, called “koboko” in local parlance, and 30% with a hand; 61% had seen pupils being hit on their buttocks, 49% on their back.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Effectiveness of corporal punishment to the child compared to positive discipline in the home environment. Residents in Uyo forms the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Effectiveness of corporal punishment to the child compared to positive discipline in the home environment. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing Effectiveness of corporal punishment to the child compared to positive discipline in the home environment
Summary
This study was on Effectiveness of corporal punishment to the child compared to positive discipline in the home environment. Three objectives were raised which included; To systematically analyze and compare the immediate and long-term effects of corporal punishment and positive discipline techniques on children’s behavior, to investigate how corporal punishment and positive discipline methods influence children’s emotional well-being, including self-esteem, anxiety, and emotional resilience and to explore the potential influence of disciplinary approaches on children’s cognitive development, focusing on factors such as problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and critical thinking.. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in Uyo. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study lends support to the consensus among child development experts and organizations that positive discipline is the preferred approach in fostering holistic child development within the home environment. It underscores the importance of communication, understanding, and empathy in shaping behavior, promoting emotional resilience, and building strong parent-child relationships. By embracing positive discipline, caregivers and society at large can contribute to a generation of emotionally healthy, socially competent, and responsible individuals who are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.
Recommendation
Based on the findings and implications of the study, several recommendations emerge for parents, caregivers, educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to promote effective discipline and healthy child development in the home environment:
- Promote Education and Awareness: Educate parents and caregivers about the potential long-term negative effects of corporal punishment and the benefits of positive discipline. Raise awareness through workshops, seminars, and informational campaigns to encourage a shift towards non-violent discipline methods.
- Provide Parenting Support: Offer parenting programs and resources that emphasize positive discipline techniques. These programs can equip parents with practical tools for effective communication, problem-solving, and fostering a supportive environment.
- Integrate Positive Discipline in Education: Incorporate positive discipline strategies into educational curricula for teachers and educators. This ensures consistency in discipline approaches between home and school, creating a more harmonious environment for children’s development.
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