What this episode covers:

This episode explains the systemic effects of spanking - not just that it's harmful, but how it creates lasting patterns. I'll show you:

• What happens in the nervous system when a child is spanked
• The dysfunctional beliefs children develop from these experiences
• How shame avoidance perpetuates the pattern across generations
• Why protective behaviors (formed in response to spanking) show up differently across contexts but stem from the same root cause
• The pathway to breaking the cycle

Key statistics:

• 94% of 3-4 year olds in the US are spanked
• Spanking in childhood is associated with moderate to heavy drinking, drug use, and suicide attempts in adulthood (even after controlling for other forms of abuse)

Sources:

• Fragile Families study on spanking prevalence
• Long-term mental health outcomes