(HealthDay) -- An occasional spanking causes a child no long-term harm, if it's not part of a pattern of intense punishment, says a new study reported by The Nando Times.
In fact, the 12-year study, which involved children in 100 families, says severe verbal punishment sometimes can cause more harm in the long run than physical punishment.
The study contradicts a number of experts like researcher Murray A. Straus, who says never spank a child. Straus, who holds a Ph.D., co-authored a 1997 study on how children become anti-social because of spanking.
Kathryn Kvols, president of the International Network for Children and Families, offers nine things to do instead of spanking a child.
