Understanding and Addressing Parental Alienation Behaviours: Impacts and Solutions

Ben Hine

Ben Hine.

There has been very little research on the prevalence of parental alienation globally. In this study of over 1,000 separated or divorced parents, we discovered a high prevalence of Parental Alienating Behaviours (PABs), with 39.2% of participants reporting experiencing PABs, a figure that rose to 59.1% when assessed through specific behavioural examples. This discrepancy highlights the challenge of identifying PABs solely through self-reporting. Significantly, individuals affected by PABs exhibited increased symptoms of mental distress, including PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. They also reported higher instances of domestic violence, aligning with findings from U.S. and Canadian research. To address this, we propose a dual strategy focusing on enhancing mental health support through professional training, support groups, and counselling, alongside involving educational and legal systems. Additionally, raising public awareness about PABs is crucial. Our findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach to combat PABs, integrating immediate support with advancements in research methodologies.