Children Who Get Spanked Have Lower IQs, Study Says

**debbystewart** · #1 09-24-2009, 10:13 PM

I simply don't buy this study but here is the article.

Spanking can get kids to behave in a hurry, but new research suggests it can do more harm than good to their noggins. The study, involving hundreds of U.S. children, showed the more a child was spanked the lower his or her IQ compared with others.

"All parents want smart children," said study researcher Murray Straus of the University of New Hampshire. "This research shows that avoiding spanking and correcting misbehavior in other ways can help that happen."

One might ask, however, whether children who are spanked tend to come from backgrounds in which education opportunities are less or inherited intelligence lower.

But while the results only show an association between spanking and intelligence, Straus says his methodology and the fact that he took into account other factors that could be at play (such as parents' socioeconomic status) make a good case for a causal link.

"You can't say it proves it, but I think it rules out so many other alternatives; I am convinced that spanking does cause a slowdown in a child's development of mental abilities," Straus told LiveScience.

Read more at Children Who Get Spanked Have Lower IQs - Yahoo! News

**Toddler Mom** · #2 09-25-2009, 03:15 AM

You know what, while I would never spank my toddler, I'm not really sure how it will impact IQs. However, the emotional trauma is quite deep espcially for sensitive kids. At the end of the day, it is important to get your child to behave using gentle firmness and yes, setting a good example yourself. Tough.. But then, so is life!

**wordygirl** · #3 09-26-2009, 01:33 PM

Well, my brother and I must be quite stupid then. I only remember having one spanking, but that is because I learn from other people's mistakes! My brother got many spankings and he has grown up to be a very responsible adult with a successful business. But on the other hand, my parents used spankings responsibly, and did not abuse us with them.

**esper_d** · #4 09-28-2009, 03:39 AM

Interesting study. I will say, though, that I was spanked (but NOT beaten) and I think I did pretty OK for myself. Not to say that all people who were spanked are the same way, though. I am a graduate student at the moment. I think it depends on the parents and the reasons behind the punishment.

**fireladyst2** · #5 09-28-2009, 03:06 PM

Ok, forgive me for this but I find that study a crock! Every child is different and deals with punishments differently. I do not believe that spanking can affect an IQ. I will also say that 20 years ago when spanking was allowed there were not all the disrespectful, do what they want to kids running around. From working in Law Enforcement I have seen the disrespect that children have now for any and everything, and sometimes I think if they just got a good spanking at home they might act right. Children should not be terrified of their parents, but they should fear them if they do something wrong. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that kids should be beaten, but there has to be a limit. I mean you cannot even pop your child’s hand for grabbing something off the shelf and worry about DSS being called, things have gotten out of control

**Violet2** · #6 10-03-2009, 09:30 PM

We don't spank in our home but I don't know that the study is terribly credible either. But it is interesting.

I know my parents gave up spanking and while I totally get why kids are spanked (and sometimes would like to do some spanking of DD's behind--DD tests me DAILY!) I don't know that hitting is the best way to socialize children for a society that charges adults who hit with crimes.

If I can't spank my husband when he's bad, why should I spank my child? And there are times when my husband not only behaves worse than DD but also shows a complete inability to understand what he did wrong, so the idea that spanking is useful for young kids who 'don't understand' doesn't hold. I don't hit my husband when he doesn't understand.

Although...maybe I should!

V

**alpha** · #7 10-04-2009, 01:19 AM

Is this study for real? Me smell a rat here.
I was spanked as a child. My siblings were also spanked as children. In fact, in my country of origin, it is the norm to spank children when they misbehave.
My siblings and I grew up to be responsible and successful adults. We all did well in school.
This study is silly.

**Juliannam** · #8 10-04-2009, 05:57 PM

This is ridiculous. I was also spanked as a child. If I did something wrong I would get a slap on the behind. There was no time out, taking privileges away etc. I have to say I grew up with an extremely close relationship with my parents, well adjusted, educated and happy. Would I spank my child? Though you may disagree with me...yes I would. Of course I wouldn't beat them, but I tap on the butt never hurt anyone mentally or physically....including myself.

Just my 2 cents.

Julianna~

**Rohan** · #9 10-05-2009, 06:29 AM

I think every child has it own way to react on punishments...i know many guys how got spanked in childhood but now they have great IQ's....

As we know study is done on group of peoples or kids may 1 lakhs in number but it doesn't conclude it right for all...correct for some case...

That's My Personal opinion on this.