A psychophysiological investigation of observed corporal punishment as a stressor in parents

This study was designed to explore the effect of viewing two video conditions (nature versus corporal punishment) on several measures of stress in parents. Two physiological measures (skin temperature and skin conductance) and one self-report measure (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) were utilized to measure the levels of stress in parents. Additionally, the age and education level of the parent, as well as past history and current use of corporal punishment, were examined to determine their relationship to the measured stress responses obtained in this study. The purpose of this study was to identify the "normal" use of corporal punishment as a psychophysiological stressor in adults.;Parents who were evaluated in this study had no previous experience with biofeedback equipment and were in good health. Fifty-seven parents of children in grades 1--6 enrolled in public and private elementary schools in the greater Philadelphia area were utilized. A computerized skin temperature and skin conductance system was used to measure autonomic reactivity during baseline and video conditions. After both video conditions, parents were asked to complete a self-report measure. Data analysis used a repeated measures analysis of variance.;Parents viewing a videotaped parent/child conflict involving the use of spanking had significantly higher skin conductance responses compared to their responses at baseline or when viewing a nature video. Additionally, after viewing the corporal punishment video, parents had significantly higher scores on their anxiety state self-report measure compared to their scores after viewing a nature video. In other words, the parents in this study perceived the corporal punishment video as stressful as indicated by their elevated skin conductance levels and their immediate ratings of the corporal punishment video. Skin temperature remained constant during both baseline and video conditions and was not significant. Furthermore, age, education level, past history and current use of corporal punishment were not related to the physiological and self-report responses obtained in this study. Further experimental research is necessary in order to solidify the relationship between corporal punishment and stress in parents.