Spanking in childhood impacts mental health in adulthood, says study

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Were you one of those kids who got spanked by their parents every time they messed up? According to a study by Australian Catholic Universityrecurrent spanking in childhood is associated with a higher risk of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, in young adults.

The research analyzed data from 8,500 people, aged between 16 and 24. Among the volunteers, women and men who were spanked in childhood were almost twice as likely to have depressive and anxiety disorders.

Lead author of the work, Professor Daryl Higgins, found the findings worrying. “Corporal or physical punishment has negative effects on mental health and part of the reason is that it tends to be accompanied by experiences of abuse and/or neglect,” said the doctor in an interview with 9news.

physical punishment

According to the survey, 61% of volunteers suffered corporal punishment as a child on at least four occasions. Currently, physical punishment is prohibited in 62 countries around the world, including Brazil.

The Spanking Law defines punishments for physical punishment (punitive or disciplinary action applied with the use of physical force that results in physical suffering or injury) or degrading treatment (one that humiliates, seriously threatens or ridicules).

***mental-health-drawing

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To receive a diagnosis and start appropriate treatment, it is very important to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. As soon as you notice that you don’t feel as well as you used to, look for a professional to help you find the causes of your discomfort.Getty Images

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