A study to appear in Psychology of Violence has been picked up multiple news outlets.
The study, by psychology faculty members Alan Brown and George Holden and graduate student Rose Ashraf, assessed the impact of terminology on perceptions about physically disciplining children.
Both parents and non-parents rated “spank” as more common, acceptable, and effective than four other terms referring to the same behavior.

The study indicates that our lexicon can legitimize violent behavior.

To read about the study go to:

http://cbsnews.cbs.com/news/spanking-children-corporal-punishment-study/