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Estudos e Pesquisas em Psicologia

On-line version ISSN 1808-4281

Abstract

FRANCA, Tatiane; HOHENDORFF, Jean Von; SILVA, Ana Claudia Pinto da  and  COSTA, Carlos. Perceptions and Experiences of Psychologists about Physical Punishment in Children. Estud. pesqui. psicol. [online]. 2023, vol.23, n.1, pp.270-290.  Epub May 03, 2024. ISSN 1808-4281.  https://doi.org/10.12957/epp.2023.75311.

This qualitative and transversal work aimed to investigate the perceptions and experiences of psychologists about the use of physical punishment in children. Thirteen Brazilian psychologists participated in the study, who answered a socio-demographic questionnaire, an interview script and problem-situation vignettes online. Content analysis revealed two categories: Ambivalence in perceptions about the use of physical punishment: Isn't spanking a form of aggression? and Reproduction of physical punishment generation after generation: has the way of educating changed? Perceptions endorsing the use of physical punishment and personal experiences of physical punishment in childhood were found, but several participants try not to repeat it with their children and are unfavorable to all levels of this practice. Participants favorable to the use, mainly of spanking, demonstrated ignorance of its ineffectiveness as an educational method and its harmful effects. The transgenerationality and the naturalization of spanking were highlighted reasons for the persistence of the use of physical punishment. Training is needed for psychologists and students on the harm and alternatives to physical punishment in children.

Keywords : physical punishment; psychologists; child discipline; spanking..

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