Where Do Perceived Norms Supporting Child Corporal Punishment Come From? A Study of Low-Income Parents

ABSTRACT

Although the influence of perceived norms on health behavior has been well researched, the sources of normative perceptions remain understudied. Drawing on the theory of normative social behavior, this study investigated factors shaping descriptive norms associated with child corporal punishment among a sample of low-income Black, Hispanic, and White parents (N = 260). Hierarchical regression results showed that childhood experiences of corporal punishment, direct observation, and interpersonal communication valence were significantly associated with descriptive norms. Path analysis confirmed the direct association between descriptive norms and behavioral intentions, as well as the mediating role of descriptive norms in linking the norm sources and behavioral intentions. Results also revealed that interpersonal network size and interpersonal communication valence jointly affected descriptive norms among parents who talked to others in their proximal networks about applying this disciplinary measure. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1. One-way ANOVA test showed no significant differences in descriptive norms among the three racial groups, F(2, 257) = .671, p = .51; children’s gender (only male, only female, both male and female: F(2,253) = .1.64, p = .20; religious affiliations, F(4,255) = 1.281, p = .28; parent’s gender, t(258) = −1.322, p = .29; and living location, t(258) = −.365, p = .72. Thus, these variables were excluded from the model test.

2. The racial breakdown for the sample included in this model test was Black: 28%, Hispanic: 26%, and White: 45%.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the University of Georgia Graduate School Dean’s Award for Social Sciences