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Description:
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Corporal punishment (CP ) is a widely used discipline technique in the United States . Most of what we know regarding corporal punishment is based on Caucasian families . In contrast , there is a paucity of research investigating predictors and outcomes of CP with families of Mexican -origin who are the largest and fastest growing Hispanic subgroup (U .S . Census Bureau , 2004 ) . This study examined level of acculturation and belief in respect toward authority (respeto ) as predictors of CP among mothers of Mexican -origin . This study also examined the association between CP and child externalizing behavior problems . A community sample of 83 mothers of Mexican -origin with children between the ages of 3 to 8 participated in the study . A series of regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses . After controlling for parent and child demographic variables , mothers’ level of acculturation was not a significant predictor of CP . Also contrary to predictions , mothers with higher levels of acculturation who were more oriented toward Anglo culture reported a higher belief in respeto . The hypothesis that respeto would be a significant predictor of CP was not supported . Lastly , as predicted , mothers’ use of CP significantly predicted externalizing behavior problems in that children disciplined with CP had higher rates of behavior problems . The results of this study indicate that other cultural factors besides acculturation and belief in respeto may influence use of CP among mothers of Mexican -origin . This study supported previous findings with non -Hispanic samples that found a positive relationship between CP and behavior problems . Future research should examine other possible predictors of CP , replicate with fathers , and include other Hispanic subgroups . Results will be discussed within the context of future research and clinical implications . |