Authoritarianism and the transgenerational transmission of corporal punishment.
Authoritarianism
Corporal punishment (CP)
Cycle of violence
Orientation
Right-wing
Sociopolitical ideology
Journal
Child abuse & neglect
ISSN: 1873-7757
Titre abrégé: Child Abuse Negl
Pays: England
ID NLM: 7801702
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
08 2020
08 2020
Historique:
received:
14
07
2019
revised:
17
02
2020
accepted:
06
05
2020
pubmed:
19
5
2020
medline:
21
7
2021
entrez:
19
5
2020
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Authoritarianism, firstly described by Horkheimer in 1936, is characterized by submission to authorities, aggression against subordinates and conventionalism. Authoritarianism is discussed as major contributor for right-wing attitudes. Horkheimer hypothesized that authoritarianism has its origin in the experience of harsh parenting and exposure to corporal punishment (CP) by authoritarian parents. The other way around, literature points towards an association between conventionalism and support of CP as disciplinary method, suggesting a role of authoritarianism in the vicious cycle of transgenerational transmission of CP. We aimed to assess the association of authoritarianism, right-wing attitudes and affirmation of CP, focusing particularly the role of authoritarianism and right-wing attitudes in the transgenerational transmission of CP. In a cross-sectional survey, a representative sample of the German population above the age of 14 (N = 2524) was selected in a random route approach. Authoritarian aggression, authoritarian submission and conventionalism (OR 1.40) such as right-wing self-assessment (OR 1.39) are associated with an increased support of different forms of CP. Moderation analyses reveal an increasing affirmation of CP by those with a history of CP holding authoritarian attitudes and right-wing positions. Our results suggest a significant role for sociopolitical attitudes in the affirmation of CP and its transgenerational transmission. Sociopolitical ideology may be an important factor to identify risk groups, but furthermore represents a promising target for preventive interventions that aim to stop the cycle of violence in families, and, subsequently, the dire consequences of CP.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Authoritarianism, firstly described by Horkheimer in 1936, is characterized by submission to authorities, aggression against subordinates and conventionalism. Authoritarianism is discussed as major contributor for right-wing attitudes. Horkheimer hypothesized that authoritarianism has its origin in the experience of harsh parenting and exposure to corporal punishment (CP) by authoritarian parents. The other way around, literature points towards an association between conventionalism and support of CP as disciplinary method, suggesting a role of authoritarianism in the vicious cycle of transgenerational transmission of CP.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess the association of authoritarianism, right-wing attitudes and affirmation of CP, focusing particularly the role of authoritarianism and right-wing attitudes in the transgenerational transmission of CP.
PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING
In a cross-sectional survey, a representative sample of the German population above the age of 14 (N = 2524) was selected in a random route approach.
RESULTS
Authoritarian aggression, authoritarian submission and conventionalism (OR 1.40) such as right-wing self-assessment (OR 1.39) are associated with an increased support of different forms of CP. Moderation analyses reveal an increasing affirmation of CP by those with a history of CP holding authoritarian attitudes and right-wing positions.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest a significant role for sociopolitical attitudes in the affirmation of CP and its transgenerational transmission. Sociopolitical ideology may be an important factor to identify risk groups, but furthermore represents a promising target for preventive interventions that aim to stop the cycle of violence in families, and, subsequently, the dire consequences of CP.
Identifiants
pubmed: 32422465
pii: S0145-2134(20)30192-7
doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104537
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
104537Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.