| This study explored social work students' perceptions of physical discipline and child abuse, both personally and with clients. Thirty-four social work students participated in this study.;The results indicated that many social work students had experienced some degree of physical discipline during their childhood which could, in some cases, be considered physical abuse. The social work students' degree of certainty when completing a child abuse report was inconsistent with the reporting laws, as the laws require suspicion of abuse. Most respondents stated they need a higher degree of certainty. Some social work students agreed that spanking children with an object would be a behavior that would fall under the category of abuse and would entail a report to Child Protective Services.;Implications include suggestions for continuous training for social workers and the development of support groups for mandated reporters. |
