Motivations and perspectives on the use of corporal punishment at home: A qualitative study of Ghanaian parents

Background: The Convention on the Rights of the Child acknowledges the fundamental rights of children. Despite the adverse effects of corporal punishment, it continues to be prevalent, especially among sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana. Objective: This study explored whether parents ever used corporal punishment on their children at home and their motivations for doing so. It also explored whether parents perceive corporal punishment as a violation of children's rights and their views on continuing or discontinuing corporal punishment at home. Participants and setting: This study involved (100) parents across the ten regions of Ghana. Methods: A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct interviews with parents. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data using the aid of QSR NVivo version 10. Results: All parents reported that they had ever punished their children. Three sub-themes emerged under the motivation of parents to punish their children. These include (a) building a sense of discipline in the child to prevent future misbehaviour, (b) releasing frustrations on children, and (c) toughening up the child to confront life challenges. Also, parents had mixed opinions on whether corporal punishment violates children's human rights and whether corporal punishment should be practiced at home. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that parents perceived corporal punishment as beneficial for their children's development. There is a need for community mobilisation programmes to change parents' and society's attitudes, norms, and beliefs regarding corporal punishment.