According to www.Google.com, discipline is defined as “the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior (using punishment to correct disobedience.) With all of the different forms of discipline/punishment, what is the most effective?
First, we should start to realize the difference between healthy and unhealthy forms of punishment. Healthy forms of discipline, in my opinion, are forms of punishment which don’t include verbal or physical abuse. Unhealthy forms of punishment are when verbal/physical abuse is present and the punishment does not usually result in healthier behavior.
Healthy forms of discipline can be seen in many different instances. One example of healthy discipline is when a felon has to complete community service, in exchange for less time served. Another example is a parent taking their child’s phone, due to bad grades/behavior. Punishments such as these help to promote a certain behavior without enforcing trauma or any form of harm.
According to www.theconversation.com, humans show neurological responses to rewarding/positive behavior, therefore, promoting healthy behavior with healthy reinforcement.
In contrast, there are other forms of punishment seen as “unhealthy” and not as effective. Some examples of this are corporal punishment and verbal abuse. These forms of punishment not only can be less effective, but also can have a tremendously negative impact on the individual.
Corporal punishment is very common and unknowingly has led to trauma and even unhealthier behavioral habits. Corporal punishment has become so normalized that it is socially acceptable to use on animals and children.
The common aftermath of these forms of punishment are PTSD (Post-Traumatic Syndrome Disorder) which can lead to “even worse behavior” according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Eventually, it can lead to different psychological and mental disorders that are even more common amongst people who have experienced harsh corporal punishment.
Corporal punishment in some scenarios can be effective but are far less detrimental to most people’s psyches. Other alternatives should be utilized in contrast to the negative reinforcements that are so broadly used in society today.
