GRAND RAPIDS -- While timeouts and other disciplinary methods work for some parents and is encouraged by some child psychologists, a Calvin College psychology professor says her research shows corporal punishment forms more well-adjusted people later in life.

Marjorie Gunnoe

says the study finds children who remember being spanked on the backside with an open hand do better in school, perform more volunteer work and are more optimistic than others who were not physically disciplined.

"This in no way should be thought of as a green light for spanking," said Gunnoe, who has studied spanking for more than a decade.

Her research contradicts claims spanked children are more aggressive and have other detrimental consequences.

The practice should be considered when lawmakers across the county consider banning spanking, Gunnoe said, noting 24 countries have barred the punishment.

"This is a red light for people who want to legally limit how parents choose to discipline their children," she said. "I don't promote spanking, but there's not the evidence to outlaw it."

Gunnoe presented her findings at a conference of the Society for Research in Child Development.

The research, now attracting international attention, shows the punishment is most effective on children between the ages of 2 and 6, Gunnoe found. The study did not consider the frequency or severity of the discipline.

The data are swipes at the norm and Gabe Griffin, of Pediatric Psychologists of West Michigan, warns against embracing a new style of parenting.

"It can very easily cross over from a discipline in a calm, measured way to an out of control moment," Griffin said. "Parents always think its in a controlled manner, but clearly it's not.

"Obviously it's not going to harm every kid, but the potential is there and it isn't worth the risk."

A majority of adults were spanked, but cultural shifts have moved perceptions even among older adults, Griffin said.

He's counseled grandparents who spanked their children and no longer believe it's acceptable for their grandchildren.

Griffin advises parents to focus more on altering behavior through teaching and praise. Time-outs and taking away privileges often work, but focus too much on the bad action.

"Pay attention to them when they do it right," he said.

Gunnoe's research stunned Samantha Gross, a mother of three boys younger than 6 years old.

Gross, who was picking up her oldest son, 6-year-old James, from school Monday, admits she's spanked him with no immediate result.

The experience reminded Gross of her childhood and brought back painful memories.

She does not want to teach her children that violence of any sort is acceptable.

"It doesn't make any sense," Gross said. "What about the parents reason behind the spanking? How often did they do it and how hard?

"I see parents spank their kids for no reason and that can't be good for them."

E-mail Nate Reens: nreens@grpress.com