Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a controversial and complex concept, initially coined by child psychiatrist Richard Gardner in the 1980s. It refers to a situation where one parent manipulates a child to reject the other parent, often in the context of contentious divorce or custody battles. The long-term psychological effects on children subjected to parental alienation have been a topic of extensive debate, but a growing body of evidence suggests that these effects can extend beyond emotional and mental health, potentially influencing criminal behavior later in life.
During a divorce, most reasonable parents will believe that it is in the best interest of the child if they have a healthy relationship with both parents. What may seem more important at the time is the strengthening of their own parent-child relationship. Parental alienation syndrome occurs when one parent unconsciously, or in many cases consciously, manipulates their child into disliking the other parent. Even if both parents have good intentions, one may unintentionally bad-mouth or make negative comments about the other parent; the child may begin to side with one or the other, and in the most severe cases, will refuse to see or talk to the “alienated” parent. Cases of alienation have been reported even in “friendly” divorces. As cases of divorce have been increasing in recent years, parental alienation has also become more common. Many mild cases, in which the disturbance between the alienated parent and child is subtle, may be misinterpreted as normal part of adjusting to the divorce; many cases of parental alienation and PAS go unreported.
Parental alienation is a term, which is focused on the parent’s behavior; making derogatory or disrespectful statements about the other parent are examples of parental alienation behavior. The frequency and the severity of these statements are two factors that determine whether or not parental alienation syndrome will take hold and whether it is considered a form of child abuse. Although the majority of cases may be unintentional, there are parents who are intent on destroying the relationship between the child and the other parent. These “obsessed” alienators may be hurt or angry by the divorce, and so may rationalize their behavior. Severe cases will usually end up being reported; this is when a psychologist will evaluate the situation. Not giving an opinion, or even supporting the child’s refusal to see or talk to the other parent are often noted by clinical psychologists. Claiming allegations of sexual abuse, or other illicit activities are commonly used to try and hurt the other parent. Females often claim to be suffering from battered woman syndrome, and may even lie to the child about being hurt.
Parental alienation syndrome is a term, which is focused on the child’s behavior. Young children are especially vulnerable to siding with one parent or the other. PAS is sometimes compared to “brain washing”; after a certain point, the child may actually begin to badmouth the alienated parent without any instigation from the other parent. Severe cases of parental alienation syndrome are often seen in the divorce process when there is a child-custody dispute. A child suffering from PAS may refuse to spend time with the alienated parent, may hold delusional or irrational beliefs about the other parent, and may feel hatred to both the target parent, as well as the targeted parent’s family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.).
PAS occurs when one parent, known as the alienating parent, engages in behaviors that purposefully or subconsciously lead a child to distance themselves from the other parent, known as the targeted parent. This manipulation can include badmouthing the targeted parent, limiting contact, or creating situations where the child feels compelled to choose sides. The child, caught in the crossfire, may begin to internalize negative perceptions of the targeted parent, resulting in estrangement. The psychological impact on the child can be profound. Children subjected to PAS often experience feelings of guilt, confusion, and anxiety. Over time, these feelings can manifest in various forms of psychological distress, including depression, low self-esteem, and identity issues.
There are even rare reports of children becoming so disillusioned that they actually harm the alienated parent. In 2004 for example, a 10-year old boy shot and killed his father as a result of PAS. The boy’s defense attorney tried using parental alienation syndrome as a defense against the murder charge. Should PAS be able to be used as a defense, or at the very least, seen as a mitigating factor? Some clinicians believe PAS should be placed in the DSM as a legitimate mental condition, though many disagree. Research has shown a 3-5 times higher risk of developing juvenile conduct disorder and various emotional disorders in a child between 6 months and 5 years old, who has gone through a period of separation of three or more months from a parent.
Divorce rates are continually rising, and as a result, cases of parental alienation syndrome are also on the rise. Some cases of alienation may be unintentional or even unavoidable; increasing awareness of this phenomenon may help combat the prevalence of PAS. Recognizing early signs will help avoid any long-term damage between the parent and child. Once the PAS becomes severe, it is much harder to correct or reconcile the parent-child relationship. Children who are old enough to understand divorce should be seeing a therapist throughout the process. The therapist will be better able to recognize signs of parental alienation; if signs are recognized, a psychologist trained to work with children will be able to correct any irrational thinking before it turns into a full case of parental alienation syndrome.
The Link Between Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) and Criminality
The connection between PAS and criminality is not straightforward, but several pathways can explain how PAS might contribute to a higher likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior:
- Psychological Trauma and Emotional Dysregulation:
- Children experiencing PAS often endure significant psychological trauma. The emotional turmoil and fractured family dynamics can lead to issues with emotional regulation. As these children grow older, they may struggle to manage anger, frustration, and other strong emotions, which could increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior, especially crimes involving aggression or impulsivity.
- Identity and Self-Esteem Issues:
- PAS can severely impact a child’s sense of self. The alienation process often involves questioning the child’s loyalty and identity, leading to confusion and a weakened self-concept. Adolescents and young adults who struggle with identity may seek validation or a sense of belonging through antisocial peer groups or criminal activities.
- Attachment Issues:
- Healthy attachment with caregivers is crucial for emotional and social development. PAS disrupts this attachment, leading to difficulties in forming healthy relationships. Children with attachment issues may exhibit behaviors linked to criminality, such as substance abuse, delinquency, and violence, as they search for alternative ways to meet their unmet emotional needs.
- Modeling Dysfunctional Behaviors:
- The behaviors modeled by the alienating parent—such as manipulation, deceit, and disregard for the targeted parent’s rights—can become normalized for the child. This normalization of unethical or harmful behavior might increase the likelihood of the child engaging in similar behaviors, including criminal activities, later in life.
- Long-Term Mental Health Consequences:
- The unresolved mental health issues stemming from PAS can contribute to criminal behavior. Depression, anxiety, and unresolved trauma are risk factors for various types of criminality, from substance abuse to violent crime. Children who grow up with PAS may not receive the necessary psychological support, making them more vulnerable to these risk factors.
Preventing the Cycle: Intervention and Support
Early intervention is crucial in cases of PAS. Mental health professionals, educators, and legal systems need to work together to identify and address PAS before it leads to long-term psychological harm. This includes providing counseling for the child and both parents, as well as educating parents about the potential consequences of alienating behaviors. Legal reforms that prioritize the child’s well-being in custody disputes are also essential. Courts should be vigilant in recognizing signs of PAS and take appropriate measures to ensure that children maintain healthy relationships with both parents whenever possible.
While not every child exposed to PAS will engage in criminal behavior, the potential link between PAS and criminality highlights the importance of addressing parental alienation as a serious psychological issue. Understanding and mitigating the effects of PAS can play a crucial role in preventing future criminal behavior and promoting the well-being of affected children. As research into this area continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly clear that the emotional and psychological scars of PAS can extend far beyond childhood, influencing the trajectory of a person’s life in profound ways.
