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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Harsh discipline relates to internalizing problems and cognitive functioning: findings from a cross-sectional study with school children in Tanzania

Authors: Tobias Hecker, Katharin Hermenau, Charlotte Salmen, Martin Teicher, Thomas Elbert

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Child maltreatment poses a risk to children and adolescents’ mental health and may also affect cognitive functioning. Also harsh discipline has been frequently associated with mental health problems. However, within societies in which harsh disciplinary methods are culturally normed and highly prevalent less is known about the association between harsh punishment, mental health problems, and cognitive functioning.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, we conducted structured clinical interviews with a sample of Tanzanian primary school students assessing exposure to harsh discipline (Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure), internalizing problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, Children’s Depression Inventory), and working memory (Corsi Blocktapping Task). School performance was measured by using the exam grades in 4 core subjects. The 409 children (52 % boys) had a mean age of 10.5 years (range: 6 – 15).

Results

Using structural equation modeling, a strong relationship was found between harsh discipline and internalizing problems (β = .47), which were related to lower working memory capacity (β = −.17) and school performance (β = −.17).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that harsh discipline is closely linked to children’s internalizing mental health problems, which are in turn associated with lower cognitive functioning and school performance. Given the high rates of harsh discipline experienced by children in East African homes and elsewhere, the findings of the present study emphasize the need to inform the population at large about the potentially adverse consequences associated with harsh discipline.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Harsh discipline relates to internalizing problems and cognitive functioning: findings from a cross-sectional study with school children in Tanzania
Authors
Tobias Hecker
Katharin Hermenau
Charlotte Salmen
Martin Teicher
Thomas Elbert
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-0828-3

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