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Abstract
The study examined the effect of corporal punishment on the academic performance and self-esteem of adolescent students. A total of One hundred and eighty eight (188) Junior High School students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds were recruited to participate in the study. The study used the cross-sectional survey and the participants were randomly selected. The Williams (2000) Brief Self Esteem Inventory was used to collect data on the self-esteem of the students whereas academic performance was measured using the average score of four core subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social studies. The results show no significant differences between corporal punishment and academic performance and self-esteem of the students. Whereas self-esteem and academic performance were found to be positively related, there was no significant variation in self-esteem across gender. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to empirical literature and existing theories.
Keywords: corporal punishment, academic performance, self-esteem, Ghana
Introduction
According to behavioral scientists, punishment refers to any change that occurs after behaviour, with the intention of reducing the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future (Skinner, 1971). Punishment could be negative or positive. Negative or removal punishment involves taking away a desirable stimulus after behaviour has occurred with the intention to stop that behavior from occurring again. Positive or presentation punishment involves presenting or following a behavior with an aversive stimulus in order to weaken a behavior. For instance, scolding a child for talking out of turn in the middle of class. Corporal punishment can be categorized as a form of positive punishment.
Corporal punishment covers official punishment of children for misbehaviors. It involves striking the child a given number of times in a generally methodical and premeditated manner, usually across the buttocks or in the hands. This kind of punishment is usually carried out with an implement specially kept for the purpose, such as a cane, a paddle, belts or leather straps, yardstick or even slippers. It could also include spanking or smacking the child in a deliberate manner on a specific part of the body (Gershoff, 2002).
Corporal punishment is meted out to children by both parents and teachers. Punishing children differs from country to country. While some parents choose to punish their children,...