The phenomenon of "parental alienation syndrome" as a type of psychological violence against the child in the family

Abstract

The article explores the phenomenon of "parental alienation syndrome" as a form of psychological abuse against a child within the family, which arises in the context of a contentious divorce. The focus is on key factors that influence the development of this phenomenon, including the psychological condition of the parents, the quality of the child's relationships with each parent, and the level of conflict between them. It is revealed that this syndrome is characterized by conscious or unconscious actions of one parent aimed at creating a negative image of the other parent in the child's mind, leading to the child's refusal to maintain contact with them. It is identified that such alienation can occur due to intentional actions or as a result of psychological disorders and emotional stress in the parents. The concept of psychological splitting is defined, which arises due to prolonged psychological pressure on the child, causing them to perceive one parent as "completely bad" and the other as "completely good." It is established that the lack of support and psychological rehabilitation for the child in conditions of alienation increases the risk of developing psychopathological symptoms in adulthood. The consequences of alienation are analyzed, including emotional instability, identity disturbances, depressive states, and tendencies toward antisocial behavior. The article highlights the importance of distinguishing this phenomenon from the natural reaction of a child to real violence or neglect by the alienated parent, which requires an individualized approach to each case. Additionally, the article outlines the impact of parental alienation syndrome on the child's future social functioning, particularly their ability to form healthy interpersonal relationships. It emphasizes that prolonged exposure to conflict between parents can lead to the formation of lasting negative perceptions about family relationships and a diminished trust in adults, which may complicate the child's adaptation to social life in the future.