How far has parental alienation research progressed toward achieving scientific validity?

Abstract

This article analyzes the evidence for parental alienation (PA) through the lens of construct validity. It defines PA as a theoretical construct. It explains why construct validity is needed to identify PA and reliably differentiate it from other causes of parent rejection. It discusses validity problems in using case examples to support PA and then focuses on empirical research. It makes recommendations for future research. Finally, it proposes a way to present evidence about PA in child custody cases that is responsive to the current state of the evidence regarding construct validity. It concludes that PA is a descriptive concept but is not yet a psychological construct because it has not yet achieved construct validity. The article suggests that the political context for PA has obstructed science. While some PA researchers are overcoming that obstacle theoretically, empirical research and forensic practice in child custody cases have yet to catch up.

Keywords:

• Child custody evaluations
• construct validity
• parental alienation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Madelyn Simring Milchman

Madelyn Simring Milchman received her doctorate from the New School for Social Research, Graduate Faculty, in 1976. She specializes in forensic and clinical psychology, particularly regarding trauma, child sexual abuse, child custody, parental alienation, incest, recovered memory, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and psychological injury.