Parental alienation is a phenomenon that has sparked considerable debate in both academic and public spheres. Some detractors label it as pseudoscience, arguing that it lacks empirical support and clear definition. However, a thorough examination of the evidence reveals that parental alienation is a legitimate psychological and social issue, recognised and studied by experts worldwide. This blog will elucidate why parental alienation is not pseudoscience by exploring its definition, the empirical evidence supporting its existence, and the importance of recognising it in family law.
What is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation refers to a situation where a child unjustly terminates a relationship with a healthy parent (and his or her extended family) due to psychological manipulation by the aligned parent. This can result in the child displaying unwarranted hostility, rejection, or fear towards the targeted parent, often leading to the breakdown of the parent-child relationship often lasting a lifetime.
Richard Gardner, a child psychiatrist, first introduced the concept of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) in the 1980s. While the term PAS has faced criticism, the broader phenomenon of parental alienation has been acknowledged and refined by various scholars and practitioners.
I suggest that the idea that one parent would turn a child against the other parent in a divorce or separation is not a new idea.
For example, here in Ireland, the first documented legal case refers to the Earl of Westmeath V the Countess of Westmeath in the 1830’s, where the countess alleged she was alienated from their child. She then went on to collaborate with others to ensure the introduction of the Custody of Infants Act 1839, giving mothers greater rights in custody battles for the first time.
Another point often omitted by detractors is the fact that alienation was referenced by Albert Einstein in 1914 when he wrote about the relationship with his son after his marriage ended. Indeed, there are biblical references to the phenomenon. It first entered the psychological and psychiatric literature in the 1940’s.
Empirical Evidence Supporting Parental Alienation
- Clinical Studies and Observations: Numerous clinical studies and case reports have documented instances of parental alienation. Psychologists and family therapists often observe patterns of behaviour in alienating parents, such as badmouthing the other parent, limiting contact, creating a dominant narrative that the targeted parent (and often his or her extended family) is to be considered, unsafe, unloving, and unavailable to the child, and creating a sense of loyalty conflict in the child, among others.
- Research and Surveys: Research by leading psychologists, such as Amy Baker and Douglas Darnall, Jennifer Harman, Mandy Matthewson, Fine, and others, has provided empirical evidence of parental alienation. Baker’s studies involve interviews with adults who were alienated as children, revealing long-term psychological effects and consistent patterns of alienating behaviour by one parent.
- Peer-Reviewed Literature: The phenomenon of parental alienation has been discussed extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Articles in journals such as the “Journal of Family Therapy” and the “American Journal of Family Law,” among others, provide rigorous analyses and case studies that support the existence and impact of parental alienation. The European Journal of Parental Alienation Practice is the only peer-reviewed journal across the globe devoted to the scholarly exploration of the phenomenon. See link here: https://journal.parentalalienation.eu/index.php?route=product/catalog
- Recognition by Professional Organisations: The American Psychological Association (APA) and other professional organisations have acknowledged parental alienation. It recognises the behaviours associated with parental alienation as detrimental to children and worthy of professional attention. Other professional bodies include the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (1997) and the Child and Family Court Advisory Service in the UK (circa, 2019), as well as being criminalised in several countries across the globe.
Addressing the Pseudoscience Label
Critics of parental alienation often argue that it lacks a standardised definition and diagnostic criteria, thus labelling it as pseudoscience. However, this criticism can be addressed by considering the following points:
- Evolving Definitions: Psychological concepts often evolve over time. The definition and understanding of parental alienation have become more refined and nuanced. For example, look at how many decades it took to have ADHD or autism accepted. There was a time when homosexuality was considered a mental disorder, Would we suggest homosexuality is a mental disorder today. A yet further example relates to the absence of suicide as a distinct category. Who would suggest suicide does not exist? Returning to alienation, the focus is on the behaviours and outcomes associated with alienation rather than a specific syndrome. Indeed, the DSM V (2013) subcommittee has made it very clear that they consider it to be a relational phenomenon rather than a mental disorder in the child. They have provided categories to reflect this on pages 716, 718, and 719 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – V (2013). Indeed, the World Health Organisation did the same in their International Classification of Diseases 11
- Interdisciplinary Support: Parental alienation is studied across various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and law. This interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive understanding and supports the legitimacy of the phenomenon. The first academically accredited postgraduate training in parental alienation across the globe can be found here:https://parentalalienation.eu/masters-in-parental-alienation-studies/?kuid=bbec872a-3433-4a0f-b5ee-dda360c1401b&kref=https%3A%2F%2Fparentalalienation.eu%2F. It may be of interest to know graduates from this programme span the social, legal, and mental health professions in Russia, China, Hong Kong, Europe, the US, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Iceland, Malta, UK, and Northern Ireland, as well as Southern Ireland.
- Legal Precedents: Family courts in many jurisdictions recognise parental alienation and consider it in custody decisions. Legal recognition is based on expert testimonies, empirical evidence, and the observable impact on children’s well-being. Irish Barrister Brendan Guildea in his analysis of just one decision by the European Court of Human Rights, states the following: By far the greatest impact this decision will have is in regards the positive obligations, or positive steps now required of national authorities (including Courts) in alienation cases. Where alienation is present, a duty to act with exceptional due diligence applies. Two immediate consequences of this are:
- Once a judge or social worker in any case become aware of an allegation of alienation, they must conduct an appropriate investigation and ensure that there is a prompt follow-up to the findings of the investigation. Adherence to recommendations, even extreme ones, must be monitored and policed.
- Where children have been separated from one or more parents, preparatory measures must be taken to facilitate reunification.
The paragraph 65 dictum points out to the reader a trap that can easily assail decision makers, advocates, and professionals in this field, namely the tendency to conflate the voice of the child with a child’s best interests. The full analysis can be found here: https://parentalalienation.eu/part-2-of-case-note-on-pisica-v-the-republic-of-moldova/
- Scientific Methodology: Research on parental alienation follows rigorous scientific methodologies, including longitudinal studies, surveys, and clinical observations. The body of evidence includes qualitative and quantitative data, adhering to the standards of scientific research.
The Importance of Recognising Parental Alienation
Acknowledging parental alienation is crucial for several reasons:
- Protecting Children’s Mental Health: Children exposed to parental alienation are at significant risk of a range of poor outcomes, including depression, premature sexual activity, alcohol and substance abuse, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming healthy relationships among others. Recognising and addressing alienation can mitigate these negative outcomes.
- Ensuring Fair Custody Decisions: In custody disputes, understanding parental alienation can help ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the child, promoting healthier family dynamics.
- Providing Appropriate Interventions: Therapists and counsellors can develop targeted interventions to rebuild the parent-child relationship and support the emotional well-being of the child. I suggest there is nothing in the literature suggesting that it is harmful to return a child to a healthy parent
Conclusion
Parental alienation is a valid and significant issue, backed by extensive empirical evidence, clinical observations, and interdisciplinary research. While it may have its critics, the phenomenon’s recognition and the substantial body of supporting literature demonstrate that it is far from pseudoscience. Understanding and addressing parental alienation is essential for protecting the mental health of children and ensuring just outcomes in family law.