Methodological Advances in the Evaluation of the Effects of Physical Punishment and Alternative Disciplinary Tactics

Three statistical methods (regression-based meta-analysis, change-score meta-analysis, regression controlling for five previous outcome scores) yielded trivial (if any) effects of spanking on multiple child outcomes. Of five disciplinary responses evaluated, open-handed spanking was the best predictor of reductions in aggression. Positive tactics were the best predictors of increased social competence.