How many of you got hit as a child in punishment form by one of your parents?

Yes, for many things, regardless of reason. Physical clumsiness, being bad at sports as a kid (scoring an "own goal" in little league soccer), tripping when handing a baseball bat over, short attention span, etc. Beyond the belt, there was being slammed head-first into a wall, or a math textbook, etc. A lot of this was a holdover from my dad's upbringing; his excuse being he was a trouble kid that resulted in his parents having him go to a Jesuit-run school that used collective punishment. If one kid had stolen the teachers ruler for example, the entire class would have to stand outside in the Colombian sun until the guilty party was found, etc.

I was depressed and suicidal as an adolescent. The beatings stopped after I was in high school, but I used to head bang as a frustration outlet for myself, and it got me in trouble several times due to the marks I left on myself. I've also slammed my head through emergency glass as a result of personal frustration, burnt myself intentionally and have used pain as a stress release. It's only been over the last year that I've slowly quit, and yet I still have unresolved anger management issues, a strained relationship with my parents, and a fucked up self-esteem.

To answer if I would use corporal punishment? Hell no. The main lessons I've learned as a kid that I've worked hard to unlearn are that might makes right, no means yes, I am not allowed to make mistakes, or to stand up for myself. I've avoided causing trouble, have difficulty making friends, haven't had a girlfriend, and have only had one hookup (who shortly left after on account of me lacking any self confidence). I'm almost 30 and yet I barely have the emotional security of a high school freshman when it comes to making romantic connections. Despite a decent wage and still being not unattractive, I do not have much self confidence.

/r/AskMen Thread