Excessive childhood discipline can lead to depression.
All young people suffer through physical, emotional and social difficulties periodically. For a child diagnosed with depression, these symptoms last longer. Juvenile depression, especially in teens, has reached alarming rates. About one in eight teens have been diagnosed with depression, according to the Department of Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Parental methods of discipline impact on how likely a child is to suffer from depression.
Definition
Parents seek effective ways to motivate their children to behave and to teach them right from wrong. Punishment, which can involve spankings or verbal demeaning, may lead to depression. Punishment focuses on immediately addressing wrong behavior while discipline focuses on the training of a child. Discipline, when administered properly, helps the young person take responsibility for her actions and learn self-control. Punishment can teach the child that the person administering the punishment is responsible for the young person's behavior.
Effects
Mild spankings that are not done in anger do not harm a juvenile's emotional health. However, continued intense spankings can result in ongoing mental issues for children, including an increased risk for depression. Children can learn that violence and anger are acceptable solutions to problems, which may cause them to act out in the future. However, structured discipline, which focuses on consequences to poor choices, teaches children valuable life lessons.
Scope
A study in an issue of Child Development journal reports on the negative effects of excessive spanking or in anger across cultural lines. Surveys from six countries of both parents and children demonstrate increased childhood anxiety, although a specific link between depression and discipline was not noted.
Studies
Researchers already realize the impact of genetics on an individual's susceptibility to depression. Further studies from King's College in London indicated that environment and the type of discipline or punishment a child receives also plays a role the development of depression.
Prevention/Solution
When parents reward and encourage good behavior, children often respond with increased good behavior. Rewards may include praise and affirmation, spending special time with the parent, a gift or money, extra privileges and credit towards a larger goal. Behavior charts with stickers can offer a tangible reminder of both the child's responsibilities and progress. Time-outs serve as a break for both parents and children; parents can effectively model calming themselves down so they can deal rationally with the issue at hand.
Tags: both parents, both parents children, diagnosed with, , ,
