Research Provides Insight Into The Psychology Of Parental Alienation

Spread the love

Psychology News

Researchers at the Colorado State University led a scientific inquiry into parental alienation, one of the most overlooked types of partner abuse. The study is published in the journal Personal Relationships.

Understanding Parental Alienation

Parental alienation is a process by which one parent manipulates a child and makes him/her estranged from another parent. Such behavior is usually common in the aftermath of a divorce and separation. It should be noted that parental alienation is very different from child estrangement, in which the child himself/herself cut off ties with the parents.

The Study

The researchers interviewed 29 mothers and 50 fathers who self-reportedly experienced parental alienating behavior. The study applied the interdependence theory to study the power dynamics in family units affected by parental alienation.

Interdependence theory is a social contract theory that states that people’s interaction with each other influences their experiences. It studies interpersonal relationships, asymmetries in power, and health outcomes.

The Findings

The researchers found significant similarities between parental alienation and partner abuse, noting that the former is caused by the same power imbalances in a conflicting partnered relationship. The perpetrating partner creates a power imbalance and uses controlling abuse against the other disadvantaged partner. In most cases, such partner abuse takes the form of coercion, violence, intimate terrorism, threats, physical abuse, and battery. The resulting climate disempowers and intimidates the alienating parent, who fears that he/she will lose the children or hurt themselves.

The researchers also noted the gender-neutral nature of parental alienation and linked its prevalence to co-parenting arrangements in which the perpetrating parent has more resources and sole custody of the children involved.

Drawing Inferences

The researchers have inferred that parental alienation, like other abusive relationships, has a significant impact on the children of the estranged partners. They are often deprived of childhood experiences and familial support which, in turn, impact their physical and mental well-being and social functioning.

Through the study, the researchers have sought to bring credibility and awareness to the problems parental alienation causes for children, families, and society at large. This can help change the ways in which parental alienating behaviors are viewed and addressed in family court proceedings. The lead researcher, Jennifer Harman, elaborated, “Parental alienating behaviors are abusive and should be included under legislation and policies that seek to protect children.”

To Know More You May Relate To

Harman, J. J., Maniotes, C. R., & Grubb, C. (2021). Power dynamics in families affected by parental alienation. Personal Relationships, 28(4), 883-906. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12392


Spread the love
  • Testosterone Promotes Cuddling, Not Aggression: Study Claims

    Testosterone Promotes Cuddling, Not Aggression: Study Claims

    Researchers explored how testosterone promotes cuddling and similar prosocial behaviors.

  • Why Do We Have Fear Memories?

    Why Do We Have Fear Memories?

    Researchers explored the neural mechanisms behind fear memories.

  • Do Horror Movies Affect Your Mental Health?

    Do Horror Movies Affect Your Mental Health?

    Experts opine on the pros and cons of watching horror…

  • Why Human Brains Are Different From The Brains Of Animals?

    Why Human Brains Are Different From The Brains Of Animals?

    Researchers explore the genetic differences that set apart man as…

  • Even Low Dose Of Alcohol Is Drinking Too Much Alcohol? Here’s Why

    Even Low Dose Of Alcohol Is Drinking Too Much Alcohol? Here’s Why

    Researchers explored how even low alcohol consumption can trigger alcoholism.

  • Why Pedal Errors Among Older Drivers Are So Common? Study Reveals

    Why Pedal Errors Among Older Drivers Are So Common? Study Reveals

    Researchers explore why elderly drivers are prone to pedal errors…

  • Why Do Japanese Children Walk Differently? Surprising Revelations

    Why Do Japanese Children Walk Differently? Surprising Revelations

    Researchers explored how culture influences gait patterns.

  • Study Affirms That Thinking Hard Makes Us Tired

    Study Affirms That Thinking Hard Makes Us Tired

    Researchers at Pitié-Salpêtrière University, France, revealed how thinking hard makes…

  • The Secret To Exercise: Frequency, Not Volume Gives Benefits

    The Secret To Exercise: Frequency, Not Volume Gives Benefits

    Researchers reveal the benefits of regular physical activity.

  • Did You Know Online Teaching Triggers Stress In Students?

    Did You Know Online Teaching Triggers Stress In Students?

    Researchers provided insights into stress associated with online teaching.

  • Why Do Smokers Crave For Coffee and Cigarettes In The Morning?

    Why Do Smokers Crave For Coffee and Cigarettes In The Morning?

    Researchers at the University of Florida revealed why smokers consume…

  • Random Acts Of Kindness Make Us Happier Than Expected, Study Finds

    Random Acts Of Kindness Make Us Happier Than Expected, Study Finds

    Researchers revealed insights into how random acts of kindness impact…

  • How Can Leisure Activities Lower Death Risk In Older Adults? Study Finds

    How Can Leisure Activities Lower Death Risk In Older Adults? Study Finds

    Researchers revealed how certain leisure activities reduce the risk of…

  • How Does Portrayal Of Mental Illness In Media Help Mental Health Awareness?

    How Does Portrayal Of Mental Illness In Media Help Mental Health Awareness?

    An insight into how popular depictions of mental illness in…

  • Eye Movements In REM Sleep Mimic Gazes In Dreams: Study Finds

    Eye Movements In REM Sleep Mimic Gazes In Dreams: Study Finds

    Researchers studied eye movements in REM sleep and provided insights…

  • What Is World Mental Health Day And Why Should We Celebrate It

    What Is World Mental Health Day And Why Should We Celebrate It

    How the WHO crafted World Mental Health Day to raise…

  • How Are Poor Sleep And Heart Disease Related? Study Reveals

    How Are Poor Sleep And Heart Disease Related? Study Reveals

    A new study found the link between inadequate sleep and…

  • How Does Social Media Sharing Make Us Overconfident? Surprising Study Finds

    How Does Social Media Sharing Make Us Overconfident? Surprising Study Finds

    Researchers examined how sharing information over social media makes us…

  • Positive Neighbors Can Help Teens Without Mother-Child Bond: Study

    Positive Neighbors Can Help Teens Without Mother-Child Bond: Study

    Researchers at the University of Michigan provided interesting insights into…

  • What Princess Diana’s Eating Disorder Teaches Us About Bulimia Nervosa?

    What Princess Diana’s Eating Disorder Teaches Us About Bulimia Nervosa?

    Understanding the eating disorder Princess Diana famously struggled with: Bulimia…

  • Can Microbreaks At Work Protect Your Mental Health? Study Reveals

    Can Microbreaks At Work Protect Your Mental Health? Study Reveals

    Researchers revealed how microbreaks at work can boost mental wellness…

  • Random Noise Can Help Us Learn Better, Says Study

    Random Noise Can Help Us Learn Better, Says Study

    Researchers explored the effects of transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)…

  • Did You Know A Short Walk In Nature Improves Mental Health?

    Did You Know A Short Walk In Nature Improves Mental Health?

    Researchers revealed how a brief one-hour walk in nature can…

  • Why Do Fans Keep Faith With Heroes Even After A Public Scandal?

    Why Do Fans Keep Faith With Heroes Even After A Public Scandal?

    Experts gave interesting insights into why fans keep faith with…

  • Parents’ Eating Behavior Influences Their Teens’ Eating Habits: Study

    Parents’ Eating Behavior Influences Their Teens’ Eating Habits: Study

    Researchers at the research group, Elsevier, revealed how parents’ eating…

  • Surprising Benefits Of Gender Diversity In The Workplace: Study Finds

    Surprising Benefits Of Gender Diversity In The Workplace: Study Finds

    A group of international researchers provided insights into the benefits…

  • Did You Know Tiredness Drives Our Cravings For Soft Drinks?

    Did You Know Tiredness Drives Our Cravings For Soft Drinks?

    Researchers explored the factors that drive cravings for non-alcoholic beverages.