Intergenerational | Elinor Lim

Young adults felt that the distinction between physical discipline and abuse is subjective.
Participants noted that physical punishment may encourage behavioural compliance but may not hold instructive value.
Physical punishment may also hold long-lasting consequences in the form of negative emotions and trauma for the recipient.
Some young adults rationalised their experiences of physical punishment, such as by recognising their parents did not know better.
Though most participants reported negative experiences of past physical punishment, about half expressed intentions or possibility of physically disciplining their potential future children.