Parental alienation syndrome

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a term coined by child psychiatrist Richard A. Gardner in the 1980s to refer to a disorder in which a child, on an ongoing basis, belittles and insults one parent without justification, due to a combination of factors, including indoctrination by the other parent (almost exclusively as part of a child custody dispute) and the child's own attempts to denigrate the target parent. Gardner introduced the term in a 1985 paper, describing a cluster of symptoms he had observed during the early 1980s.

Definition

Parental Alienation Syndrome is a term used to describe a family dynamic in which one parent (usually the custodial parent) is targeted for vilification and rejection by the child, while the other parent (usually the noncustodial parent) is idealized and eagerly sought out. This is often seen in the context of high-conflict divorce or separation, where the child becomes the pawn in the parents' ongoing battles.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Parental Alienation Syndrome is the child's campaign of denigration against the targeted parent, with no justification. Other symptoms may include the child's lack of ambivalence, the "independent-thinker" phenomenon, reflexive support of the alienating parent in the parental conflict, absence of guilt over cruelty to and/or exploitation of the alienated parent, presence of borrowed scenarios, and spread of the animosity to the friends and/or extended family of the alienated parent.

Causes

The causes of Parental Alienation Syndrome are complex and multifaceted. They can include the alienating parent's unresolved anger towards the other parent, the child's response to the parental conflict, and the child's own temperament and resilience.

Treatment

Treatment for Parental Alienation Syndrome typically involves family therapy that includes both parents and the child. The goal is to improve communication, reduce conflict, and help the child maintain a healthy relationship with both parents.

Criticism and Controversy

The concept of Parental Alienation Syndrome has been criticized by some professionals in the field of mental health and family law. Critics argue that the syndrome is not recognized by the medical or psychological community, and that it may be used as a weapon by abusive parents in custody battles.

See Also

• Child custody
• Divorce
• Family therapy
• Richard A. Gardner

References

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