While there are no clear answers regarding the consequences of using corporal punishment as a disciplinary strategy towards children, what is clear is that there is limited evidence to support any positive outcomes associated with corporal punishment (Ferguson, 2013; Lynch et al., 2006). The effects of corporal punishment are likely to be influenced by several factors, including:
the quality of the parent-child relationship;
how often and how hard a child is hit;
whether parenting is generally "hostile";
clear boundary setting and consistent use of discipline; and
whether other disciplinary techniques are also used, particularly ones that are suited to a child's age, and are likely to enhance his or her learning and capacity for reasoning (Gershoff, 2002; Smart, Sanson, Baxter, Edwards, & Hayes, 2008).