Date of Award

Spring 5-11-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Department

Psychological Sciences

Advisor

Dr. Yessica Green Rosas

Abstract

Corporal punishment continues to be used in many homes and schools despite research linking it to negative psychological outcomes in children. Previous studies, primarily focused on home settings, have associated corporal punishment with increased anxiety, depression, aggression, and emotional distress. However, less research has examined how these outcomes appear within school environments, where discipline occurs in more structured institutional settings. This thesis investigates how corporal punishment in schools affects students psychologically, emotionally, and academically through a literature review of peer-reviewed studies from psychology, education, and public health. The findings show that many of the mental health outcomes associated with corporal punishment in the home also appear in school settings, including increased stress, fear-based learning, emotional distress, and reduced academic engagement. The literature also highlights negative effects on student-teacher relationships and overall school climate. Overall, these findings support the need for nonviolent disciplinary practices and trauma-informed approaches within educational settings.

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