Previous research indicates that the degree to which people were punished as children by either parent was a very important determinant of their current approval of corporal punishment (Ringwalt, Browne, Rosenbloom, Evans, & Kotch, 1989).  This study was conducted to address people's child rearing attitudes early in their adult life and to determine if there are additional factors that affect approval of corporal punishment. Two hundred and nine undergraduate students were recruited to participate. Consistent with previous studies, participants raised by authoritarian parents had more favorable attitudes toward corporal punishment. The best predictor of a belief in corporal punishment was found to be lack of empathy for children's needs.

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Faculty supervisor: Connie Enright, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

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