Changing Attitudes about Spanking: a Mixed-Methods Study of a Positive Parenting Intervention

While ample research describes the negative effects of corporal punishment (CP) on children, parental decisions about discipline strategies are complex. Some parents may resort to CP because they do not know what else to do. The current mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study examined whether participation in the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P – Level 4) (n = 68) was associated with lower levels of self-reported parental stress, less parental perception of child misbehavior, and improved attitudes and expectations toward CP compared to a comparison group of caregivers (n = 23). After six weekly group/individual sessions, Triple P participants reported significantly lower rates of parental stress and child maladjustment, and less favorable attitudes toward CP compared to baseline. Stress and favorability toward CP declined significantly more among Triple P participants than among comparison participants. There was a high level of attrition in the comparison group. At the end of the program, seven focus groups were conducted with Triple P participants (n = 47). Analyses revealed themes about managed vs. unmanaged stress, conflicting views of spanking, perceived beneficial impact of Triple P on their parenting strategies, improved relationships with their children, and use of alternative strategies before spanking. This study adds to the literature on community parenting interventions by illuminating individual caregiver experiences in Triple P Level 4 and associated reduction in favorable attitudes toward CP.