The Linkage Between Parental Alienation Behaviors and Child Alienation

ABSTRACT

One hundred and nine college students completed an anonymous and confidential survey regarding their childhood exposure to parental alienation strategies by each parent as well as their own actions and attitudes toward each parent. Results revealed statistically significant associations between parental alienation behaviors and behaviors of an alienated child, even after controlling for the quality of parenting of the rejected parent. The findings are discussed in light of attachment theory, social learning theory, and family systems theory.

KEYWORDS:

• Child alienation
• college students
• parental alienation