Powerless to parent; powerless to protect: The experiences of alienated parents in the UK

Titolo Rivista MALTRATTAMENTO E ABUSO ALL’INFANZIA
Autori/Curatori Sue Whitcombe
Anno di pubblicazione 2017 Fascicolo 2017/1
Lingua Inglese Numero pagine 20 P. 47-66 Dimensione file 244 KB
DOI 10.3280/MAL2017-001004
Il DOI è il codice a barre della proprietà intellettuale: per saperne di più clicca qui

Qui sotto puoi vedere in anteprima la prima pagina di questo articolo.

Se questo articolo ti interessa, lo puoi acquistare (e scaricare in formato pdf) seguendo le facili indicazioni per acquistare il download credit. Acquista Download Credits per scaricare questo Articolo in formato PDF

Anteprima articolo

FrancoAngeli è membro della Publishers International Linking Association, Inc (PILA)associazione indipendente e non profit per facilitare (attraverso i servizi tecnologici implementati da CrossRef.org) l’accesso degli studiosi ai contenuti digitali nelle pubblicazioni professionali e scientifiche

Parental alienation is the unwarranted denigration or rejection of a parent where there was a previous loving relationship. Despite thirty years of study establishing its aetiology, preva-lence, appropriate interventions and outcomes for children, parental alienation remains a highly contentious concept in the UK. Additionally, there has been minimal exploration of the experiences of alienated parents across the globe. A recent Q analysis uncovered the subjective and intersubjective experiences of British alienated parents. An unexpected con-sensus became apparent which merited further analysis of the data. Through this phenome-nological exploration of the participants’ narratives, a pervasive sense of "powerlessness" emerged. The source of this felt sense of powerlessness is considered and recommendations for policy and practice are suggested.

Keywords:Parental alienation, family conflict, psychological harm, family law, parent.

  1. Avitia, M. (2011). The noncustodial parents description of the expereience of parental alienation syndrome: a phenomenological study. Capella University.
  2. Baker, A. J. L. (2005a). Parent alienation strategies: A qualitative study of adults who experienced parental alienation as a child. American Journal of Forensic Psychology, 23, 4, 41-63.
  3. Baker, A. J. L. (2005b). The long-term effects of Parental Alienation on adult children: a qualitative research study. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 33, 4, 289-302, DOI: 10.1080/01926180590962129
  4. Baker, A. J. L. (2007). Knowledge and attitudes about the Parental Alienation Syndrome: a survey of custody evaluators. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 35, 1, 1-19, DOI: 10.1080/01926180600698368
  5. Baker, A. J. L. (2010). Even when you win you lose: Targeted parents’ perceptions of their attorneys. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 38, 4, 292-309, DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2010.493429
  6. Baker, A. J. L. (2014). Parental Alienation as a Form of Psychological Maltreatment: Review of Theory and Research. Maltrattamento e abuso all’infanzia, 16, 1, 37-55, DOI: 10.3280/MAL2014-001003
  7. Baker, A. J. L., & Darnall, D. (2006). Behaviors and strategies employed in parental alienation behaviors and strategies employed in parental alienation: A survey of parental experiences. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 45, 1, 97-124,
  8. Baker, A. J. L., & Fine, P. R. (2013). Educating divorcing parents: Taking them beyond the high road. In A. J. L. Baker & S. R. Sauber (Eds.), Working With Alienated Children and Families: A Clinical Guidebook (pp. 90-107). Hove: Routledge.
  9. Baker, A. J. L., & Verrocchio, M. C. (2016). Exposure to Parental Alienation and subsequent snxiety and depression in Italian adults. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 44, 5, 255-271, DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2016.1230480
  10. Ben-Ami, N., & Baker, A. J. L. (2012). The long-term correlates of childhood exposure to parental alienation on adult self-sufficiency and well-being. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 40, 2, 169-183, DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2011.601206
  11. Bernet, W., Baker, A. J. L., & Verrocchio, M. C. (2015). Symptom Checklist-90-Revised scores in adult children exposed to alienating behaviors: An Italian sample. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 60, 2, 357-362, DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12681
  12. Bernet, W., von Boch-Galhau, W., Baker, A. J. L., & Morrison, S. L. (2010). Parental Alienation, DSM-V, and ICD-11. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 38, 2, 76-187, DOI: 10.1080/0192618090358658
  13. Bernet, W., Wamboldt, M. Z., & Narrow, W. E. (2016). Child Affected by Parental Relationship Distress. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 55, 7, 571-579,
  14. Bow, J. N., Gould, J. W., & Flens, J. R. (2009). Examining parental alienation in child custody cases: A survey of mental health and legal professionals. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 37, 2, 127-145, DOI: 10.1080/01926180801960658
  15. Burrill, J. (2006). Descriptive statistics of the mild, moderate and severe characteristics of parental alienation syndrome. In R. Gardner, S. R. Sauber, & D. Larandos (Eds.), The International Handbook of Parental Alienation Syndrome (pp. 49-55). Springfield: Charles C Thomas.
  16. Cafcass (2014). Cafcass Operating Framework. Cafcass.
  17. Cafcass (2016). About Cafcass. Retrieved December 13, 2016 (disponibile on-line: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/about-cafcass.aspx).
  18. Cartwright, G. F. (1993). Expanding the parameters of parental alienation syndrome. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 21, 3, 205-215.
  19. Clarkson, D., & Clarkson, H. (2007). The unbreakable chain under pressure: The management of post-separation parental rejection. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 28, 3-4, 251-266, DOI: 10.1080/09649060601119433
  20. Clawar, S. S., & Rivlin, B. V. (1991). Children held hostage: Dealing with programmed and brainwashed children. Chicago: American Bar Association.
  21. Darnall, D., & Steinberg, B. F. (2008). Motivational models for spontaneous reunification with the alienated child: Part II. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 36(3), 253-261, DOI: 10.1080/01926180701643230
  22. Drozd, L. M., & Olesen, N. W. (2004). Is it abuse or is it alienation? A model for evaluating custody disputing families. Journal of Child Custody, 1, 3, 65-106.
  23. Dunne, J., & Hedrick, M. (1994). The parental alienation syndrome: An analysis of sixteen selected cases. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 21, 3-4, 21-38.
  24. Ellis, E. (2008). A stepwise approach to evaluating children for Parental Alienation Syndrome. Journal of Child Custody, 4, 1, 55-78,
  25. Fidler, B. J., & Bala, N. (2010). Children resisting postseparation contact with a parent: Concepts, controversies and conundrums. Family Court Review, 48, 1, 10-47,
  26. Fidler, B. J., Bala, N., & Saini, M. A. (2012). Children who resist post separation parental contact: A differential approach for legal and mental health professionals. Oxford University Press,
  27. Garber, B. D. (2007). Conceptualizing visitation resistance and refusal in the context of parental conflict, separation, divorce. Family Court Review, 45, 4, 588-599,
  28. Gardner, R. (1985). Recent trends in divorce and custody litigation. Academy Forum, 29, 2, 3-7.
  29. Godbout, E., & Parent, C. (2012). The life paths and lived experiences of adults who have experienced parental alienation: A retrospective study. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 53, 1, 34-54, DOI: 10.1080/10502556.2012.635967
  30. Goldberg, W., & Goldberg, L. (2013). Psychotherapy with targeted parents. In A. J. L. Baker & S. R. Sauber (Eds.), Working with alienated children and families: A clinical guidebook (pp. 108-128). Hove: Routledge.
  31. Gordon, R. M., Stoffey, R., & Bottinelli, J. (2008). MMPI-2 findings of primitive defenses in alienating parents. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 36, 3, 211-228, DOI: 10.1080/01926180701643313
  32. Harman, J. J., Biringen, Z., Ratajack, E. M., Outland, P. L., & Kraus, A. (2016). Parents behaving badly: Gender biases in the perception of parental alienating behaviors. Journal of Family Psychology, 30, 7, 866-874,
  33. Her Majesty’s Court Service. (2009). EX170 Can I talk about my case outside court ? A guide for family court users. HMCS --(disponibile on-line: http://hmctsformfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/GetLeaflet.do?court_leaflets_id=947).
  34. Hobbs, T. (2006). PAS in the United Kingdom. In R. A. Gardner, S. R. Sauber, & D. Lorandos (Eds.), The International Handbook of Parental Alienation Syndrome (pp. 71–89). Springfield: Charles C Thomas.
  35. Hunt, J., & Macleod, A. (2008). Outcomes of applications to court for contact orders after parental separation or divorce. Ministry of Justice.
  36. Jaffe, P. G., Ashbourne, D., & Mamo, A. A. (2010). Early identification and prevention of parent-child alienation: A framework for balancing risks and benefits of intervention. Family Court Review, 48, 1, 136-152.
  37. Jaffe, P. G., Crooks, C. V., & Bala, N. (2009). A framework for addressing allegations of domestic violence in child custody disputes. Journal of Child Custody, 6, 3-4, 169-188, DOI: 10.1080/15379410903084517
  38. Jaffe, P. G., Johnston, J. R., Crooks, C. V., & Bala, N. (2008). Custody disputes involving allegations of domestic violence: Toward a differentiated approach to parenting plans. Family Court Review, 46, 3, 500-522,
  39. Jarrett, T. (2015). Confidentiality and openness in the family courts: current rules and history of their reform (Briefing paper Number 07306). House of Commons Library --(disponibile on-line: https://www.parliament.uk/commons-library).
  40. Johnston, J. R. (2003). Parental alignments and rejection: an empirical study of alienation in children of divorce. The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 31(2), 158-170.
  41. Johnston, J. R. (2005). Children of divorce who reject a parent and refuse visitation: recent research and social policy implications for the alienated child. Family Law Quarterly, 38, 4, 757-775.
  42. Johnston, J. R., Campbell, L. E., & Mayes, S. S. (1985). Latency children in post-separation and divorce disputes. Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, 24, 5, 563-574, DOI: 10.1016/S0002-7138(09)60057-1
  43. Kelly, J. B., & Johnson, M. P. (2008). Differentiation among types of intimate partner violence: Research update and implications for interventions. Family Court Review, 46, 3, 476-499,
  44. Kelly, J. B., & Johnston, J. R. (2001). The alienated child: A reformulation of parental alienation syndrome. Family Court Review, 39, 3, 249-266,
  45. Kopetski, L. M. (1998). Identifying cases of Parent Alienation Syndrome--Part I. The Colorado Lawyer, 27, 2, 65-68 --(disponibile on-line: https://www.fact.on.ca/Info/pas/kopet98a.htm).
  46. Lampel, A. K. (1996). Children’s alignment with parents in highly conflicted custody cases. Family and Conciliation Courts Review, 34, 2, 229-239.
  47. Lebow, K. (2013). Supporting targeted parents: The International Support Network for Alienated Families. In A. J. L. Baker & S. R. Sauber (Eds.), Working with alienated children and families: A clinical guidebook (pp. 129-138). Routledge.
  48. Mcghee, C. (2008). Separation and Divorce: Helping parents to help children. Resolution --(disponibile on-line: www.resolution.org.uk - retrieved on 04/03/2015).
  49. Mcghee, C. (2015). Separation and Divorce: Helping parents to help children. Resolution. --(disponibile on-line: www.resolution.org.uk - retrieved on 13/10/2016)
  50. Rand, D. C. (1997a). The spectrum of parental alienation syndrome (part I). American Journal of Forensic Psychology, 15, 3.
  51. Rand, D. C. (1997b). The spectrum of parental alienation syndrome (Part II). American Journal of Forensic Psychology, 15, 4.
  52. Rand, D., Rand, R., & Kopetski, L. (2005). The spectrum of parental alienation syndrome part III: The Kopetski follow-up study. American Journal of Forensic Psychology, 23, 1, 15-43.
  53. Reed, L. (2016). Core Principles – Mission Statement: The Transparency Project. Retrieved December 13, 2016 --(disponibile on-line: http://www.transparencyproject.org.uk/core-principles-mission-statement/).
  54. Siegel, J. C., & Langford, J. S. (1998). MMPI-2 validity scales and suspected parental alienation syndrome. American Journal of Forensic Psychology, 16, 4, 5-14.
  55. Stoltz, J.-A. M., & Ney, T. (2002). Resistance to visitation: Rethinking parental and child alienation. Family Court Review, 40, 2, 220-231.
  56. Sturge, C., & Glaser, D. (2000). Contact and domestic violence: The experts’ court report. Family Law, 30, 615.
  57. Sullivan, M. J., & Kelly, J. B. (2001). Legal and psychological management of cases with an alienated child. Family Court Review, 39, 3, 299-315,
  58. Vassiliou, D., & Cartwright, G. F. (2001). The lost parents’ perspective on parental alienation syndrome. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 29, 3, 181-191, DOI: 10.1080/019261801750424307
  59. Verrocchio, M. C., Baker, A. J. L., & Bernet, W. (2016). Associations between exposure to alienating behaviors, anxiety, and depression in an Italian sample of adults. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 61, 3, DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13046
  60. Von Eckartsberg, R. (1998). Existential-Phenomenological Research. In: Phenomenological Inquiry in Psychology (pp. 21-61). Boston, MA: Springer US, DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-0125-5_2
  61. Waldron, K. H., & Joanis, D. E. (1996). Understanding and collaboratively treating parental alienation syndrome. American Journal of Family Law, 10, 121-133.
  62. Wallerstein, J. S., & Kelly, J. B. (1980). Effects of divorce on the visiting father-child relationship. American Journal of Psychiatry, 137, 12.
  63. Watts, S., & Stenner, P. (2012). Doing Q Methodological Research: Theory, Method & Interpretation. London: Sage.
  64. Weigel, D. J., & Donovan, K. A. (2006). Parental Alienation Syndrome: Diagnostic and triadic perspectives. The Family Journal, 14, 3, 274-282, DOI: 10.1177/1066480706287893
  65. Weir, K. (2011). High-conflict contact disputes: evidence of the extreme unreliability of some children’s ascertainable wishes and feelings. Family Court Review, 49, 4, 788-800.
  66. Weir, K., & Sturge, C. (2006). Clinical advice to courts on children’s contact with their parents following parental separation. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 11, 1, 40-46,
  67. Wertz, F. J. (2005). Phenomenological research methods for counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52, 2, 167-177, DOI: 10.1037/0022-0167.52.2.167
  68. Whitcombe, S. (2014). Parental alienation: Time to notice, time to intervene. The Psychologist, 27, 32-34.
  69. Whitcombe, S. (2016a). Exploring the lived experience of alienated parents in the UK: a Q study. Under Review.
  70. Whitcombe, S. (2016b). Uncovering parental alienation in the UK: A cause for concern? Manuscript Submitted for Publication.

  • A Comparison of MMPI-2 Profiles Between Parental Alienation Cases and Custody Cases Paolo Roma, Daniela Marchetti, Cristina Mazza, Eleonora Ricci, Lilybeth Fontanesi, Maria Cristina Verrocchio, in Journal of Child and Family Studies /2022 pp.1196
    DOI: 10.1007/s10826-021-02076-1
  • Beyond survival: Strengthening community‐based support for parents receiving a family service intervention Rachel Goff, Christina Sadowski, Kerryn Bagley, in Child & Family Social Work /2023 pp.491
    DOI: 10.1111/cfs.12979
  • Understanding Targeted Parents’ Experience of Parental Alienation: A Qualitative Description from Their Own Perspective Saulyn Lee-Maturana, Mandy Matthewson, Corinna Dwan, in The American Journal of Family Therapy /2021 pp.499
    DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2020.1837035
  • Caratteristiche psicologiche e relazionali in coppie altamente conflittuali coinvolte nell'alienazione genitoriale Maria Cristina Verrocchio, Daniela Marchetti, Paolo Roma, Stefano Ferracuti, in RICERCHE DI PSICOLOGIA 4/2019 pp.679
    DOI: 10.3280/RIP2018-004008
  • Empirical research on parental alienation: A descriptive literature review T.M. Marques, I. Narciso, L.C. Ferreira, in Children and Youth Services Review 105572/2020 pp.105572
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105572

Sue Whitcombe, Powerless to parent; powerless to protect: The experiences of alienated parents in the UK in "MALTRATTAMENTO E ABUSO ALL’INFANZIA" 1/2017, pp 47-66, DOI: 10.3280/MAL2017-001004