Date of Graduation

Spring 2025

Degree

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Mental Health & Behavioral Science

Committee Chair

CaSandra Stanbrough

Abstract

The current study aimed to see if experiencing corporal punishment led to more aggressive behaviors as well as higher cortisol levels than in those who did not experience corporal punishment. The study also examined whether self-regulation moderated the relationship between corporal punishment and levels of aggression. Morning cortisol levels were collected from participants, and they completed a demographics survey, an aggression index, a corporal punishment index, and a self-regulatory inventory index. A T-test found that there was not a significant difference in morning cortisol levels between those that experienced corporal punishment and those that had not experienced corporal punishment. A second T-test found that those who experienced corporal punishment showed higher levels of aggression than those that did not experience corporal punishment. A moderation analysis using multiple linear regression found that self-regulation moderated the relationship between corporal punishment and aggression. The study provides a better understanding of the effects of corporal punishment in the long term and self-regulation as a factor that could deter acts of aggression. The study has implications for therapies that promote self-regulation and the importance of self-regulation awareness to the general population.

Keywords

corporal punishment, cortisol, aggression, self-regulation, moderation

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

Copyright

© Tyler Priest

Download

Open Access

Share

COinS