In line with previous research, overall higher rates of CPA, collapsing behavioral endorsement and trauma checklist assessments, were reported in AA as compared to EA women (Hanson et al., 2006; Hawkins et al., 2010). Further analyses revealed AAs were more likely than EAs to endorse behavioral questions only as well as both behavioral and trauma items (but not trauma checklist items only). These findings highlight the possibility of differences in cultural acceptance of CPA in AA and EA women in that, physical punishment is more normative in the AA community, and thus, less likely to be labeled physical abuse or assault. Previous research supports variations in cultural norms pertaining to the use of physical discipline (Deater-Deckard et al., 2003) and AA parents have been reported to be more likely to use harsh physical discipline as compared to EA parents (Zolotor et al., 2008).
