@article { , title = {Moving research beyond the spanking debate}, abstract = {© 2017 Elsevier Ltd Despite numerous studies identifying a broad range of harms associated with the use of spanking and other types of physical punishment, debate continues about its use as a form of discipline. In this commentary, we recommend four strategies to move the field forward and beyond the spanking debate including: 1) use of methodological approaches that allow for stronger causal inference; 2) consideration of human rights issues; 3) a focus on understanding the causes of spanking and reasons for its decline in certain countries; and 4) more emphasis on evidence-based approaches to changing social norms to reject spanking as a form of discipline. Physical punishment needs to be recognized as an important public health problem.}, doi = {10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.02.012}, eissn = {1873-7757}, issn = {0145-2134}, journal = {Child Abuse and Neglect}, pages = {5-8}, publicationstatus = {Published}, publisher = {Elsevier}, url = {https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/880461}, volume = {71}, keyword = {Formerly Health & Social Sciences, spanking, physical punishment, physical discipline}, year = {2017}, author = {MacMillan, Harriet L. and Mikton, Christopher} }