Physical punishment and Colombian children and adolescents' cognitive and behavioral outcomes

Research from U.S. samples has shown consistent associations between physical punishment and adverse child outcomes. Nonetheless, little is known about the effects of physical punishment in countries where its use is more accepted. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between physical punishment and children and adolescents' outcomes in Colombia using longitudinal data from a national sample (N = 5801). Matching techniques were used to improve balance in covariates between children and adolescents exposed and not exposed to physical punishment. Findings suggest that children and adolescents' exposure to physical punishment was linked to higher internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as lower prosocial behaviors and receptive vocabulary. These results highlight the importance of implementing legislation and interventions aimed at eliminating physical punishment in Colombia.