ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on understanding the nature of parental alienation. It considers how parental behaviour can influence children’s wellbeing, with this discussion leading into the conceptualisation of parental alienation and the alienated family. Definitions of parental alienation are considered, both in psychological and legal terms, with a discussion of whether or not parental alienation reflects fundamental and irreparable damage to the parent–child relationship. Consideration also is given to the consequences of parental alienation, using this context for the identification of the potential seriousness of the problem and the need to understand it and intervene to restore better family functioning. To set the scene for future discussions, this chapter identifies when parental alienation occurs, how often it is considered to be a problem and under what circumstances.
