I would like to draw everyone's attention to a recent article published by Kirby Deater-Deckard using the prospective longitudinal data collected by Ken Dodge. The article found that physical punishment was linked to externalizing problems for euro-american children only, and not for african american children. I find this article rather interesting but also want to note that lots of kids develop internalizing problems, and don't aggress when they are upset. Oftentimes we view internalizing children as perfectly well-adjusted because they aren't externalizing. But they may be depressed, anxious, withdrawn, or suicidal. Nevertheless, we must consider cultural context in our assertions. Deater-Deckard et al. Physical discipline among African-American and European-American Mothers: Links to Children's Externalizing Behaviors. Developmental Psychology. -- Tasha R. Howe, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology Transylvania University 300 N. Broadway Lexington, KY 40508 (606) 233-8144 FAX (606) 233-8797
