Spanking and child outcomes: Old controversies and new meta-analyses

Meta-analysis of 75 studies (111 effect sizes; ~160,927 children) on spanking defined narrowly (open-hand, non-injurious). 13 of 17 outcomes were significant, all linking spanking to worse child outcomes (more aggression, antisocial behavior, mental health and cognitive problems). Effect sizes were similar to those for physical abuse and did not vanish with stronger study designs.