Socio-Demographic,Health,and Social Factors Associated With Corporal Punishment: Results of a Territory-Wide Population-Based Survey in Hong Kong

Corporal punishment (CP) remains a controversial form of parental discipline, with potential adverse effects on child development and family relationships. Evidence has been limited regarding the socio-demographic characteristics associated with the parenting stress linked to CP at both the family and population levels. This study aims to examine the risk factors of CP using a representative community sample of Hong Kong families. A study sample of 1,297 parents (597 fathers and 700 mothers) was obtained from the 2021 Hong Kong Family Survey. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the socio-demographic, health, and social factors associated with the parents’ self-reports of CP. Residential crowding and higher housing expenditure were significantly associated with CP. After adjusting for demographic risk factors, parents with poorer health and mental health conditions reported a lower likelihood of using CP. Parents who reported the presence of disabilities and chronic illnesses were less likely to use CP. No significant relationships were found between perceived social support and the use of CP. The results underscore the importance of considering residential crowding and its associated parenting stressors, as well as reducing housing expenses, in efforts to prevent CP. Our findings highlight the unique challenges faced by families living in high-density environments, such as Hong Kong, and recognize the importance of addressing housing affordability and quality as part of broader efforts to reduce family violence.