| Growth curve modeling was used to examine the influence of physical punishment (PP) on the trajectory of externalizing behavior problems in a community sample of children across the ages of 5 to 10. In addition, negative affect (NA), emotional climate (EC), race, and socioeconomic status were examined as moderators. Results indicated that over time, externalizing behavior problems decreased, though considerable individual variability in the pattern of change was observed. Initial levels of behavior problems were predicted by PP and NA. The PP x EC interaction approached significance. Changes in this trajectory were predicted by PP. Interactions between PP x EC and PP x SES also trended towards significance. Overall, the trajectory of externalizing behavior problems over time was not predicted by the experience of PP alone, but rather that other factors influenced this association. |
