Parental physical discipline in Singapore: a study of context, practice, and perception

Abstract

The cultural normativeness hypothesis posits that parents typically administer physical discipline in a controlled manner in a normative cultural context. Previous research on physical discipline primarily focuses on the frequency at which it occurs, rather than the nature of its delivery. This study aimed to illustrate the context, practice, and perception of physical discipline in a culture where physical discipline is common. Singaporean young adults (N = 449, Mage = 22.6, 52% female) completed the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale to assess their childhood experiences of maternal and paternal physical discipline. Further, they recalled emotional and physical reactions to physical discipline, perceived parents’ emotions, implement, immediacy, privacy, and predictability of physical discipline. Overall, 88% of young adults reported at least one occurrence of physical discipline during childhood. The prevalence of maternal physical discipline was higher than that of paternal (ps < .001). Hitting on the palm or bottom with an object (e.g., cane) was the most common form of physical discipline. Moreover, 63% of young adults indicated at least one noticeable injury after physical discipline. Physical discipline was typically predictable and administered in presence of others. Of those who were physically disciplined, 89% recalled some instances of their parents not being in control of emotions during physical discipline. Negative emotions (e.g., feeling fearful of parents) were commonly reported. Even in a context where physical discipline is prevalent, most parents are likely to be not fully in control of their emotions. Non-violent discipline should be promoted to reduce distress and improve parent-child relations.