Parental alienating behaviours

Parental alienation (PA) is triggered by a pattern of alienating behaviors (ABs) enacted by a parent (referred to as the alienating parent) over time with the intent to harm the relationship between the other parent {referred to as the alienated parent) and the child and/or to harm the alienated parent themselves. ¹ This chapter is focused on Factor Four of the Five-Factor Model, i.e. the use of multiple ABs on the part of the preferred parent.² Various characteristics and behaviors of the alienating parent have been identified in the research literature, including: (1) personality disorders (e.g., narcissism, borderline, psychopathy) and a paranoid orientation to interactions with others; (2) severe cognitive distortions, such as holding an unwavering belief that the alienated parent is dangerous even in the face of evidence to the contrary; (3) externalising unwanted emotions and responsibilities; (4) ex­hibiting anger associated with an abnormal grieving process; and (5) an en­meshed and unhealthy relationship with their family of origin.³These char­acteristics are considered motivators for engaging in ABs, as they drive the alienating parent to perceive situations and other people in negative and dis­torted ways, to act in ways that serve their interest to maintain all control over the children and other family members, and to harm the alienated parent.