Why Do Some People Pretend Parental Alienation Isn't Real?

Parental alienation is a pressing issue that affects many families facing the difficulties of divorce or separation.

Often, the topic sparks intense debates among professionals and caregivers.

Despite extensive research and evidence showcasing its impact, incredibly some still try to deny the existence of parental alienation.

This article examines the reasons behind this denial, its consequences for victims, and how we can create a more supportive environment for those affected.

If you're an alienated parent and need help with your situation then please join PAPA today.

At PAPA we have several free to use support spaces, as well as additional resources available to our Plus members, such as courses, PAPA AI and 1-2-1 help

What is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation involves one parent actively undermining the relationship between a child and the other parent.

This behaviour can take various forms:

• Negative Talk: Speaking ill of the other parent regularly.

• Limited Contact: Restricting the child's interactions with that parent.

• False Narratives: Creating misleading stories to convince the child to reject the other parent.

  
  

In custody disputes, a parent's disparagement can lead to severe emotional turmoil.

For example, studies indicate that children exposed to such dynamics are 5 times more likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to peers in healthy familial relationships.

The adverse effects can linger well into adulthood, impacting their ability to form stable relationships.

It Is Illogical to Deny Parental Alienation Is Real

Denying parental alienation minimises the complex emotional struggles within families, especially during high-conflict situations.

Such denial often invalidates the experiences of victims, including children who are manipulated and parents who suffer as a result.

Research shows that children who experience parental alienation are at a greater risk of facing emotional challenges.

One study revealed that up to 60% of children involved in these dynamics reported feeling isolated and confused about their family situation.

Ignoring these findings hinders our understanding of the issue and may perpetuate the suffering of affected families.

Perpetrators Deny Its Reality to Cover Up Their Abuse

Often, those who engage in parental alienation dismiss its existence.

Perpetrators may label the concept as a trend or attribute it to the other parent's attempts to manipulate the situation.

This denial serves to obscure their actions and minimise the emotional distress they inflict.

By framing parental alienation as a non-issue, these individuals continue their harmful behaviour without facing accountability.

This not only harms the alienated parent but also puts the child's emotional well-being at serious risk.

Ignoring Parental Alienation Is Detrimental to Victims

Neglecting to acknowledge parental alienation leads to severe consequences for victims, especially children. When adults, including professionals in the judicial system, overlook these issues, they fail to meet children's needs and provide adequate support.

For instance, a 2019 survey found that 70% of professionals involved in custody decisions did not identify signs of parental alienation during assessments, potentially placing children in harmful environments. The absence of recognition leads to emotional isolation and confusion for affected children, perpetuating cycles of trauma.

Parental Alienation Is as Serious as Any Other Form of Abuse

Parental alienation is often dismissed as a natural result of conflict during separation, yet it constitutes emotional abuse.

The results can be as damaging as those wrought by physical abuse.

For instance, victims may experience long-term feelings of worthlessness or distrust, limitations that can affect their relationships throughout life.

To illustrate, adult survivors of parental alienation report lower self-esteem levels, with approximately 50% indicating difficulty in forming trustful relationships.

Recognising parental alienation as an emotional abuse form is essential for addressing the needs of those affected and promoting healing.

How We Can Safeguard Victims from Ignorance

To genuinely protect victims of parental alienation, we need a multifaceted approach emphasising education, policy reform, and community support.

Here are some actionable strategies to tackle this pressing issue:

Raising Awareness

We need community outreach programs to educate parents, legal professionals, and mental health workers. Understanding the manifestations and impacts of parental alienation can foster empathy and drive action.

Training for Professionals

Judges, social workers, and mental health professionals should undergo specialised training to recognise signs of parental alienation. Better-informed professionals can offer more robust support in custody cases.

Support Groups for Victims

Creating support groups like PAPA allows victims to share their experiences. These safe spaces can provide critical emotional support for parents feeling powerless against parental alienation.

Legal Reforms

We must advocate for legal changes that recognise and address parental alienation.

Courts should develop guidelines to protect children from manipulative behaviours during custody disputes.

Promoting Positive Family Dynamics

Building healthy communication between parents is essential to prevent parental alienation.

Support programs can help parents learn effective communication skills, even during challenging times.

Fostering relationships between children and both parents is critical.

Programs designed to strengthen these bonds may significantly reduce the chances of alienation, ensuring that children maintain healthy relationships on both sides.

Moving Forward

The denial of parental alienation often stems from ignorance or a desire to avoid accountability.

However, the effects on victims, especially children, are profound.

Recognising the reality of parental alienation is crucial to safeguarding those who suffer.

We must strive for greater understanding within the family law system and among the public.

By advocating for the wellbeing of every child and parent affected by emotional manipulation, we can take significant steps toward justice and healing.

Understanding parental alienation is not just an academic exercise; it is a responsibility we carry for those who suffer in silence.

Together, let's push for a more informed and compassionate approach to family dynamics, ensuring children's emotional wellbeing is prioritised in the face of parental conflict.

In need of help or support?

If you are an alienated parent reading this article and feel you are in need of help and support then please make sure to join PAPA today by signing up here on our website.

This will give you access to our community support forum as well as our Resource Centre, which includes downloadable guides and on-demand courses to help through the process of being alienated and regaining contact with your children.

We also have our Facebook support group that you can join here.

Our Facebook support group has several dedicated chat rooms where you can get immediate support.

If you are a member of PAPA you can also send us a message here on the website and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible but please bear in mind, we have hundreds of messages weekly so it may take us a while to get back to you.

We are currently prioritising PAPA Plus members due to high demand.

Regardless of circumstance you are not alone and at PAPA we are here to support you.

Become a PAPA Ambassador

If you like our resources, articles and support networks and agree with what we stand for then why not get involved and help us push PAPA further by joining our Ambassador Program?

We would love for you to join us and help spread awareness for parental alienation and all of the dynamics involved so that we can continue to help parents and children towards a better future.

Our Ambassador Program allows you to grow your involvement with the cause by earning points on your membership.

To earn points we have created rewards for actions such as completing one of our courses, booking a case review, or ordering supply.

We will be adding new rewards and actions to our Ambassador Program as we continue to grow our awareness efforts.

We want our members to feel rewarded for their support as we continue to look for new ways to improve the lives of those impacted by parental alienation.

You can also become a PAPA Plus member, which will give you exclusive access to even more help and resources.

Each PAPA Plus membership makes a huge difference to the cause as it really helps us to improve our services and our awareness campaigns.

Proceeds from memberships and supply allow us to push the cause much further towards raising awareness and improving our services and resources so that we can continue to help more and more parents and children.

Thank you for reading and for your continued support of PAPA and our mission to end parental alienation.