Parenting and inequality: the impact of physical violence against children

Crianza y desigualdad: la huella de la violencia física infantil

Published 2026-04-24


https://doi.org/10.30554/archmed.26.1.5563.2026
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Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026): Archivos de Medicina (Manizales)
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Artículos de Investigación
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López Ríos, M. A. ., & Zabaraín Cogollo, S. J. . (2026). Parenting and inequality: the impact of physical violence against children. Archivos De Medicina (Manizales), 26(1). https://doi.org/10.30554/archmed.26.1.5563.2026
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https://doi.org/10.30554/archmed.26.1.5563.2026
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López Ríos, M. A. ., & Zabaraín Cogollo, S. J. . (2026). Parenting and inequality: the impact of physical violence against children. Archivos De Medicina (Manizales), 26(1). https://doi.org/10.30554/archmed.26.1.5563.2026

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María Alejandra López Ríos
Magister en Proyectos para el Desarrollo Integral de la Infancia la Adolescencia y la Juventud. Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2129-8676 ORCID
Sara J. Zabaraín Cogollo
PhD. En Psicología, Psicóloga investigadora. Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1685-0715 ORCID
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Objective: To explore family factors and parenting practices associated with the use of physical violence by caregivers of children under four years of age in Santa Marta (Colombia). The study seeks to understand the early socialization dynamics that favor physical punishment, identify risk and protective factors, and provide evidence for designing positive parenting interventions with a contextual and rights-based approach. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted with 57 caregivers involved in programs run by the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF). Structured and validated surveys were administered to characterize sociodemographic variables, routines, emotional bonds, and disciplinary practices. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi software, with descriptive statistics and national and international ethical criteria. Results: 75.4% of caregivers acknowledged resorting to physical punishment, and 47.4% used aggressive verbal expressions. These behaviors were linked to economic precariousness, community violence (42%), and parental stress. Even with close relationships (94.7%), 30% of children exhibited challenging behaviors. Structured routines and support from family networks acted as protective factors. Conclusions: Physical violence against children reflects structural and emotional causes. Reducing it requires strengthening positive parenting, fostering emotional bonds, and coordinating intersectoral actions that alleviate family stress in vulnerable contexts.

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