(WMC / CNN) - Parents who spank their children may be setting them up to be violent toward future partners, a new study suggests.
The study was published in the Journal of Pediatrics on Tuesday.
The study's authors said they specifically tried to make a distinction between children who were disciplined with spankings and children who were physically abused.
They said they ruled out children who were abused, but still found that those who were spanked were more likely to be violent in their relationships later in life.
"This study confirms and extends previous research that says children who experience violence at home, even if it is couched as for their own good, end up using violence later in their lives," said Dr. Bob Sege, a spokesman for the American Academy of Pediatricians who specializes in the prevention of childhood violence. Dr. Sege was not involved in the new research.
Boston University Associate Professor Emily Rothman, an expert in partner violence, agreed: "The experience of having someone direct aggression to you increases the likelihood that you'll fall back on aggression when in a flight or fight moment. Having been hit by the parent can elevate stress and reduces a child's coping skills, so they may lash out."
Copyright 2017 WMC Action News 5 and CNN. All rights reserved.
MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL Weather Now app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional local news and hourly updates.
Copyright 2017 WTXL via Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
