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The forgotten parent: The targeted parent perspective of parental alienation

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 03:45 authored by Poustie, C, Mandy MatthewsonMandy Matthewson, Sian BalmerSian Balmer
This study investigated the targeted parent experience of parental alienation and alienating behaviors. One hundred and twenty-six targeted parents provided narratives in response to an open-ended question at the end of an online survey. Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis framework was used to identify themes in the data. Six themes were identified illustrating targeted parents' experience of parental alienation and alienating behaviors. Targeted parents described physical and emotional distance separating them from their child, emotional and financial costs associated with their engagement with "systems" such as legal systems and child protection systems. They described poor mental health and concern for their child's psychological well-being. Targeted parents considered alienating behaviors to be a form of family violence. Additionally, targeted parents used active coping behaviors. It was concluded that further research is needed to better understand parental alienation. Mental health and legal professionals must collaborate to optimize support for targeted parents.

History

Publication title

Journal of Family Issues

Volume

39

Issue

12

Pagination

3298-3323

ISSN

0192-513X

Department/School

School of Psychological Sciences

Publisher

Sage Publications Inc

Place of publication

2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, USA, Ca, 91320

Rights statement

Copyright 2018 The Authors

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in psychology

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