How Can Parent Alienation Impact a Parent-Child Relationship?

In situations involving high levels of conflict within families, it can often feel as though your ex-partner or spouse is making every effort to sabotage your relationship with your children. However, not every situation meets the criteria for “parental alienation.” In the guide below, we will explore what parental alienation truly entails, how these interference tactics can impact your relationship with your children, and learn about the steps you can take to address this issue.

What Exactly Is Parental Alienation?

The term “parental alienation” may not be widely recognized, but it refers to a serious issue that can severely impact the relationship between a parent and their child. Parental alienation describes a situation in which one parent’s actions deliberately influence their children to harbor negative feelings and attitudes toward the other parent. As a result, parental alienation is a damaging psychological tactic that often surfaces during contentious divorces and separations, mainly when child custody arrangements are being determined. This issue becomes even more complex when the alienating parent is unaware of the harmful impact of their behaviors.

The Views of Parental Alienation Maryland

The concept of parental alienation is frequently mistaken for parental alienation syndrome (PAS). Dr. Richard Gardner, an American psychiatrist, is credited with coining the term “parental alienation syndrome” in 1985. He defined the syndrome as:

“a childhood disorder that arises almost exclusively in the context of child custody disputes. It is a disorder in which children, programmed by the allegedly “loved” parent, embark upon a campaign of denigration of the allegedly “hated” parent.”

However, it should be noted that the concept of Parental Alienation Syndrome has been discredited and rejected by reputable professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Medical Association (AMA). This is due to the absence of specific diagnostic criteria, a standardized assessment process, and insufficient support from well-controlled empirical studies. As a result, judges in Maryland family courts and other jurisdictions are reluctant to use the term PAS or consider the testimony of the few remaining experts who endorse it. However, while the specific syndrome of PAS has been debunked, the broader issue of parental interference with the parent-child relationship of the other parent remains a genuine concern.

The Impact of Parental Interference

Parental interference, in contrast to Parental Alienation Syndrome, occurs when one parent undermines the other parent, their home, or their family to their children. This can manifest in various ways, ranging from subtle remarks to overt actions. Generally, parental interference involves words and behaviors that paint the targeted parent or their home negatively or exaggeratedly. 

In addition, parental interference can be perpetrated by either parent, regardless of gender. Instead, the distinction between custodial and non-custodial parents is more critical than the gender of the parent engaging in this type of alienating behavior. This is because a custodial parent typically has more opportunities to make statements and take actions that diminish the relationship between the non-custodial parent and the child.

Parental Interference and Child Custody

When determining child custody, the primary consideration in Maryland is the child’s best interests. Parental interference, which involves one parent influencing the child to reject the other parent, is seen as a form of emotional abuse. If a parent is found to be engaging in interference, they may face serious consequences such as losing legal or physical custody of the child, having their visitation rights reduced, or being required to take on additional financial obligations. On the other hand, a parent who is the victim of this interference may seek relief through avenues such as obtaining increased custody, having visitation rights protected, or receiving counseling to address the situation.

Contact Rice Law Today To Learn More About Parent Alienation

If you believe you are dealing with parental alienation or interference and need to modify your custody agreement, contact Rice Law today and review your situation with a dedicated and experienced Maryland family law attorney.