Why Spanking Doesn't Work: Stopping This Bad Habit and Getting the Upper Hand on Effective Discipline (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Guess what the most violent institution in America is today..." (more)
Key Phrases: positive parenting techniques, spanking works, behavior management system, Undesirable Side Effect of Spanking, Supreme Court, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Do you know your chances of getting assaulted and injured by someone else in your lifetime are greater in your family by far than in any other group of people you are likely to be around? Why is the family so violent? One of the main reasons is society’s belief that physical punishment is good for our children. Why Spanking Doesn’t Work proves otherwise.

In this insightful, well-researched book, Dr. Marshall reveals what have been called "the best-kept secrets in developmental psychology." The author shows:
• Hitting a child causes more behavioral problems than it solves
• Spanking has been found to increase aggression in children
• Cases of poor self-image and depression have been traced to childhood corporal punishment
• Repetition of one’s own childhood experience is a poor substitute for informed parenting

Inflicting punishment is easy—anyone can strike a child—but healthy discipline practices must be learned. Parents who explore this book will be amply rewarded as they learn alternatives to spanking and other forms of physical punishment.

About the Author

Michael J. Marshall, PhD, Professor of Psychology at West Liberty State College and clinical psychologist in private practice, resides in Wheeling, West Virginia, with his wife and four children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Bonneville Books (August 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555176038
• ISBN-13: 978-1555176037
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,080,126 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is time for a change, October 12, 2006

By	A reader - See all my reviews

This book is a must read for any parent or potential parent. This book is well written and well researched. The author gets it right on the mark.

I didn't realize until much later in life the effect that this kind of punishment had on my emotional and psychological well being. And many other people are beginning to discover this in their lives as well. It is unfortunate that many parents believe and are convinced that discipline involving physical pain is healthy and appropriate.

It is time for us to evolve and stop taking the easy way out by simply following uninspired traditional methods. There are truly more positive and effective methods of parenting available. But, it must begin with an open mind, and a willingness to learn better ways. And this book is a valuable resource for those who wish to end this cycle of abuse. It is odd that violence is socially acceptable only when it is done to children, the ones who are the most sensitive and vulnerable.

2 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Review, February 26, 2007

By	Ann (Michigan) - See all my reviews

Having been formally trained in child psychology and special education, I was not personally comfortable with the tone and position the author rigidly assumes in this book and was unable to finish reading it.