X
TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Together Against RSV
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Holiday Hub
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Harsh Discipline in Children is Linked to Long-Term Mental Health Issues

3 min read
Harsh Discipline in Children is Linked to Long-Term Mental Health Issues

Children's mental health can also be negatively impacted by harsh discipline. Learn more about the detrimental effect of hostile discipline on mental health in this article.

According to new research from the University of Cambridge and University College Dublin, parents who frequently use harsh disciplinary tactics with their young children may be putting their children at risk of developing long-term mental health problems.

The study, which examined data from 7,500 Irish children, discovered that children exposed to ‘hostile’ parenting at age three were 1.5 times more likely than their peers to have ‘high risk’ mental health symptoms by age nine.

What is Hostile Parenting?

The researchers defined hostile parenting as the use of harsh treatment and discipline, both physical and psychological, on a regular basis, which could include shouting at children on a regular basis, routine physical punishment, isolating children when they misbehave, damaging their self-esteem, or punishing them in an unpredictable manner, depending on the parent’s mood.

"Im sorry Dad!" "Im sorry Dad!" violent parent stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Image source: iStock

The study also discovered that mental health professionals, teachers, and other practitioners should be aware of the potential impact of parenting on a child who is exhibiting signs of poor mental health. According to the study, providing additional support to parents of children who are already considered at risk could help prevent these issues from developing.

Effects of Harsh Parenting To Children

The study found that middle childhood is a time when girls, children with single parents, and those from higher-income families are more likely to show concerning mental health symptoms. This suggests that other factors besides parenting influence mental health outcomes.

Although people widely recognize parenting as a factor influencing children’s mental health, most studies haven’t examined its impact over time or how it relates to both internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

These findings call on parents to reconsider their parenting styles and seek support and resources to implement more positive discipline methods. They also emphasize the importance of practitioners providing early intervention and tailored support for children who are at risk of experiencing mental health difficulties.

Professional child psychologist talking with child girl in office with kids mother An Asian professional child psychologist talking with child girl in office, child draws a drawing. parent counseling stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Image source: iStock

It is also important for parents to seek assistance if they are having difficulty managing their child’s behaviour. Counselling or therapy can equip parents with tools and strategies for dealing with difficult situations without resorting to harsh punishment.

Partner Stories
Unlocking Financial Independence for the Next Generation
Unlocking Financial Independence for the Next Generation
Games to Play With Kids Indoors: 8 Fun Games You Can Play When You're Too Tired to Move
Games to Play With Kids Indoors: 8 Fun Games You Can Play When You're Too Tired to Move
How Stokke Products Can Be The Second-Best Gift To Parents After Giving Birth?
How Stokke Products Can Be The Second-Best Gift To Parents After Giving Birth?
What to Expect the First 24 Hours After Giving Birth
What to Expect the First 24 Hours After Giving Birth

The study’s findings emphasise the importance of nurturing a child’s emotional well-being. Parents can help their children develop into resilient and emotionally healthy adults by promoting positive and healthy forms of discipline. Avoiding a hostile emotional climate at home may not prevent poor mental health outcomes, but it will almost certainly help.

Finally, the link between harsh discipline and long-term mental health problems is concerning, emphasising the need for more positive and effective approaches to discipline. Even in difficult situations, it is critical for parents to prioritise their children’s emotional well-being. We can help our children grow into emotionally healthy and resilient adults by using positive reinforcement, setting clear boundaries, and seeking help when needed.

Science Daily

ALSO READ:

 The Different Styles Of Parenting Prove That There’s No Right Way To Do It

What type of parenting style do you use?

Mummy Shares Her Biggest Parenting Mistake That She Cannot Fix

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Matt Doctor

  • Home
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • Harsh Discipline in Children is Linked to Long-Term Mental Health Issues
Share:
  • 'She's Not Less, Just Simply Wired Differently'—A Singapore Mum Gets Real About Autism Parenting

    'She's Not Less, Just Simply Wired Differently'—A Singapore Mum Gets Real About Autism Parenting

  • What a Football Brawl Taught Us About Parenting

    What a Football Brawl Taught Us About Parenting

  • 8 Common Phrases That Quietly Hurt Kids Emotionally

    8 Common Phrases That Quietly Hurt Kids Emotionally

  • 'She's Not Less, Just Simply Wired Differently'—A Singapore Mum Gets Real About Autism Parenting

    'She's Not Less, Just Simply Wired Differently'—A Singapore Mum Gets Real About Autism Parenting

  • What a Football Brawl Taught Us About Parenting

    What a Football Brawl Taught Us About Parenting

  • 8 Common Phrases That Quietly Hurt Kids Emotionally

    8 Common Phrases That Quietly Hurt Kids Emotionally

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
  • Family Occasions
  • Lifestyle
  • Normal Delivery
  • Ages & Stages
  • Trying To Conceive
  • News
  • TAP Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
© Copyright theAsianparent 2025. All rights reserved
About Us|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it