Examining trends in parental violence against children from 1993 to 2022
Spanking and hitting children: Trends and changes in risk factors in consecutive, longitudinal, national samples of parents from 1993-2022
This study looks at how the use of physical punishment and abuse towards children has changed over the past 30 years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help figure out which families might need extra support to keep kids safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10672402 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the trends and risk factors associated with corporal punishment and physical abuse of children over nearly three decades, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. By utilizing longitudinal data from the Monitoring the Future study, the research aims to identify how risk factors for parental violence have evolved over time. The findings will help inform policies and clinical practices aimed at preventing child abuse and improving child development outcomes. The study focuses on understanding which families may benefit most from targeted prevention efforts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are parents and caregivers of children aged 0-11 years who may be affected by or are at risk of using corporal punishment.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have children or whose children are older than 11 years may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and policies that protect children from abuse and promote healthier family dynamics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated significant relationships between corporal punishment and negative child outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehus, Christopher J — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Mehus, Christopher J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.