Physical punishment and love withdrawal in disciplining juvenile offenders and victims

What is it about?

This research focused on the discipline techniques (such as physical punishments and love withdrawal) among staff members in residential care facilities for children. We assumed that given increasing cultural diversity in a growing numbers of countries it is important to explore how the interplay between nationality, ethnicity and religiosity, and such basic psychological assumption as belief in a just world are associated with punitive disciplining in general, and particularly among staff members in residential institutions for youth. This study’s findings show that there are differences in instructors' discipline techniques according to nationality and ethnicity. However, it appears that nationality and ethnicity are the least relevant predictors of discipline techniques, while a belief in a just world is the strongest predictor. The nature of the correlation between a belief in a just world and discipline techniques is intriguing, and it shows that educational instructors who are characterized by a strong belief in a just world tend to use more punitive techniques.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

From the theoretical aspect, this research contributes to the literature in exploring the educational issue of discipline techniques within the context of youth residential care. The findings are also relevant for policymakers who are interested in factors that influence staff members' punitiveness within juvenile justice facilities. Furthermore, our results challenge the conventional views of cultural influences on socialization process and emphasize the connection between the belief in a just world and correctional staff members' punitive behavior. The results of this research have practical implications such as in the training of practitioners who work with juvenile offenders, in screening processes and for the prevention of physical and emotional abuse of young residents and inmates.

Perspectives