What Causes Parental Alienation? Why would a parent want to damage their childs relationship with the other parent at their own childs expense? Intentions differ from one parent to the next, but psychologists say the following could be motivators: An alienating parent may have unresolved anger toward the other parent for perceived wrongs during the relationship. They may be unable to separate those issues from parenting issues An alienating parent may have unresolved issues from their own childhood that they project onto the other parent An alienating parent may have a personality disorder, such as narcissism or paranoia, which makes them unable to empathize with the childs feelings or see the harm to the child An alienating parent may be so insecure with their own parenting skills that he or she projects those concerns onto the other parent An alienating parent may be so wrapped up in their childs life that he or she has no separate identity. So, they view the childs relationship with the other parent as a threat Sometimes new spouses or grandparents push the alienating parent into inappropriate behavior for their own wrong reasons, and the alienating parent isnt strong enough to resist Why Children Are Alienated What causes a child to buy into the alienating parents brainwashing? The child may: Feel the need to protect a parent whos depressed, panicky or needy Want to avoid the anger or rejection of a dominant parent Want to hold onto the parent the child is most afraid of losing, such as a parent who is self-absorbed or uninvolved with the child. In choosing to go along with the alienating parent, the child can avoid conflict and the constant tug-of-war.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 21:11:49 +0000
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