Parental alienation occurs when a child refuses to have a relationship with a parent due to manipulation by the other parent, such as the conveying of exaggerated or false information. The situation most often arises during a divorce or custody battle, but it can also happen in intact families.
What Is Parental Alienation? (Plain Language Explanation)
Parental Alienation refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Parental Alienation
- Symptoms: The specific ways parental alienation shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen parental alienation
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When parental alienation occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Parental Alienation
- Parental Alienation is far more common than most people realize
- Parental Alienation is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with parental alienation see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about parental alienation is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing parental alienation, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.