Where Do Perceived Norms Supporting Child Corporal Punishment Come From? A Study of Low-Income Parents

Although the influence of perceived norms on health behavior has been well researched, the sources of normative perceptions remain understudied. Drawing on the theory of normative social behavior, this study investigated factors shaping descriptive norms associated with child corporal punishment among a sample of low-income Black, Hispanic, and White parents (N = 260). Hierarchical regression results showed that childhood experiences of corporal punishment, direct observation, and interpersonal communication valence were significantly associated with descriptive norms. Path analysis confirmed the direct association between descriptive norms and behavioral intentions, as well as the mediating role of descriptive norms in linking the norm sources and behavioral intentions. Results also revealed that interpersonal network size and interpersonal communication valence jointly affected descriptive norms among parents who talked to others in their proximal networks about applying this disciplinary measure. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.