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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 BalmerThis 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 IssuesVolume
39Issue
12Pagination
3298-3323ISSN
0192-513XDepartment/School
School of Psychological SciencesPublisher
Sage Publications IncPlace of publication
2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, USA, Ca, 91320Rights statement
Copyright 2018 The AuthorsRepository Status
- Restricted