Psychology & Developing Societies The Meanings Jamaicans Associate with Corporal Punishment

Taniesha Burke and Olga Sutherland

This study examined the meanings Jamaicans associate with corporal punishment and its perceived effects on children, caregivers’/parents’ relationship with children and in a broader sense, Jamaican culture. A total of 183 readers’ comments on 13 articles that focused on corpo- ral punishment—published in a prominent Jamaican online newspaper— were qualitatively analysed. The results indicated that not all Jamaicans engage in or embrace the use of corporal punishment. There is a clear divide between Jamaican individuals who practise corporal punishment and those who believe it is socially unacceptable. Those in favour of it reported that it was religiously justified and effective as a method of discipline. Opponents of this view highlighted the negative physical and mental effects of corporal punishment on children and provided alterna- tive discipline methods that were less punitive and more responsive to the needs of children and the parent–child relationship. Implications of the results are discussed.

2014 26: 59 Psychology Developing Societies

DOI: 10.1177/0971333613516229