annotated bibliography of new zealand research into family violence

Issues Centre. Retrieved October 21, 2005, from http://www.occ.org.nz/media/files/discipline_guidanceSee: www.nzfvc.org.nz/12262.pubTopic Areas: Child abuse and neglect, Physical abuse, Families, Children, Children asvictims, Discipline/punishment, LegislationAbstract: This report was commissioned by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner. Itsaim is to provide parents and professionals with fundamental knowledge surrounding thenegative effects that physical punishment has on children’s behaviour and wellbeing. It is alsohoped that the report will lead to more informed discussions and decision making around thedebate concerning s59 of the Crimes Act (1961). This report is a summary of a larger reporton national and international research findings on family discipline that was prepared foracademics and policy makers.The report summarises that many studies have shown that long-term use of physicalpunishment as a form of discipline is associated with negative outcomes in children’sbehaviour. Furthermore, there are both immediate and long-term effects on children,including: social behaviour, intellectual development, quality of parent-child relationship,mental health problems, and moral internalisation. The report also states that physicalpunishment is not proven to result in compliance. Instead, children should be surrounded by asafe and loving environment where they are clear about what is expected of them, withrewards for good behaviour and minor reprimand for disobedience.Smith, A. B., Gollop, M. M., Taylor, N. J., & Marshall, K. A. (Eds.). (2005). The discipline andguidance of children: Messages from research: A review of the literature for the Office of theChildren’s Commissioner by the Children’s Issues Centre. Dunedin, New Zealand:University of Otago, Children’s Issues Centre. Retrieved December 9, 2005, fromhttp://www.occ.org.nz/media/files/discipline_guidanceSee: www.nzfvc.org.nz/12285.pubTopic Areas: Child abuse and neglect, Physical abuse, Families, Children, Children asvictims, Maori, Pacific peoples, Discipline/punishment, Legislation, Cultural factors, Gender,Mental health, Religion/spirituality, Prevention/intervention/treatmentAbstract: This report presents a review of the literature pertaining to the discipline ofchildren within the family milieu. The negative consequences for children who haveexperienced physical discipline are examined in detail, including adverse social behaviours,impaired cognitive development, mental health problems, substance abuse, and poor qualityparent-child relationships. The report examines differences in the prevalence and severity ofuse of physical discipline across ethnic groups; however, the authors note that more researchis needed on this issue pertinent to the New Zealand context. The influence of religiousideologies on parental disciplinary strategies is discussed, although this area is also earmarkedfor future research.The report addresses factors that influence parenting practices, namely child characteristics,parental educational attainment, mental health issues, and the parents’ own childhoodexperiences. Contextual variables, such as socio-economic status, family size, and maritalstatus, are also identified as shaping parenting style. Differences between male and femaleuse of physical discipline, and the type of punishment meted out dependent on the gender ofthe child are analysed.Also included in this report is an exploration of children’s perspectives on physicalpunishment and international responses to the issue of disciplining children. The reportconcludes by offering recommendations, including education for parents about alternative167