Summary: | <p> This research explores the cultural, sociopolitical, biological, and psychological aspects of spanking. Utilizing a hermeneutic methodology, it reviews the language used around spanking, such as abuse, trauma, violence, corporal punishment, maltreatment, adverse childhood experiences, interpersonal victimization, and discipline; its history in indigenous and post-Columbian America; and empirical findings about its effects on mental health. It concludes with suggestions as to how to use this information clinically, noting perspectives on treating intergenerational transmission of trauma and the ethical duties of mental health practitioners to advocate against abuse.</p>
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