Qualitative

Although all parents in the sample used physical punishment, opinions were mixed on its acceptability and effectiveness.
Parents cited their own upbringing and judicial caning as factors that encouraged their use of physical punishment.
Physical punishment’s unmatched ability to elicit immediate compliance also incentivised its use by parents.
Parents’ use of physical punishment is driven by factors such as the child’s age, transgression, and their mood and stress.
A majority of parents described intense feelings of guilt and regret after administering physical punishment.

Clarissa Choo, Hoi Shan Cheung, Elinor Lim, Kelly M. Y. Chan, Charlene S. L. Fu

Autistic students reported a mix of academic and social successes and challenges in higher education.
Autistic and non-autistic students felt there was a barrier separating them which made it difficult for them to understand each other.
Both groups of students noted societal pressure to fit in with social norms and stigma against autism.
Both groups of students also advocated for more autism-informed accommodations throughout the higher education journey.
Autistic and non-autistic students expressed that greater autism awareness and acceptance is needed at the societal level.

Elinor Lim, Shawn Wong, Emine Gurbuz, Steven K. Kapp, Beatriz López, Iliana Magiati

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.

Kelly M. Y. Chan, Elinor Lim, Hoi Shan Cheung, Charlene S. L. Fu