Study: corporal punishment could put your child at risk - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

Study: corporal punishment could put your child at risk for mental disorders

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By Ainsley Allison - email

Do you spank or slap your child?

A study in the journal "Pediatrics" says you may be risking their mental health. Researchers found that physical punishments like pushing, grabbing, slapping and spanking are linked to mental disorders, even in the absence of more severe abusive treatment.

Corporal punishment increased odds of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug abuse and some personality disorders. 

The study indicated that between 2 and 7 percent of mental disorders are attributable to physical punishment.