: The anticipation of impact stimulates adrenaline, which increases heart rate and sharpens sensory perception, making the individual feel more present in the moment.
While early theories focused on the immediate compliance achieved through discipline, later research emphasized the importance of the relationship between the authority figure and the individual. The psychological "weight" of punishment often depends on the perceived legitimacy of the authority. When discipline is viewed as a fair application of established rules, it can lead to an internalisation of social norms. Conversely, when it is perceived as arbitrary, it can lead to psychological stress or a breakdown in social trust. The Evolution of Institutional Punishment