Some Highlights: Countering Arguments Against Parental Alienation as A Form of Family Violence and Child Abuse – by Edward Kruk & Jennifer J. Harman
Dr. Edward Kruk and Dr. Jennifer J. Harman published a very important 2024 article in the American Journal of Family Therapy. The distinguished authors examine arguments against the recognition of parental alienation as a form of child abuse and family violence. Make no mistake about it. Parents who engage in parental alienation tactics are committing child abuse. The authors alert us to the substantial research that demonstrates that PA is a type of abuse that is used to control a child’s relationship with their other parent. Some radical feminist elements have characterized parental alienation as a pseudo-concept that endangers women and children who are already at risk of family violence and abuse. Dr. Kruk and Dr. Harman analyze the common arguments against parental alienation as a legitimate concept.
Empirical Support for Parental Alienation as a Concept
The research supporting parental alienation as a real form of abuse and control includes:
- Identifiable patterns of alienating behaviours;
- Measurable psychological effects on children;
- Long-term relational consequences extending beyond childhood into adulthood; and,
- Clinical research-based and survey-based data supporting these patterns and observations
Research on parental alienation is interdisciplinary and spans decades, including over one thousand articles and books; it is not a new or unproved theory without empirical foundation.
Diagnostic Recognition Does Not Define Legitimacy
The naysayers love to point out that parental alienation is not recognized as a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5, nor has it gained traction in mainstream medical and psychiatric associations. The authors note that related relational problems are already addressed in the DSM under parent-child relational problems. The inclusion of a term in the DSM-5 does not validate or invalidate it. Further, the term “parental alienation” is widely recognized by many child and family organizations.
Differentiating Between Alienation and Estrangement Caused by Abuse
Current research on parental alienation clearly differentiates between absence caused by a parent’s mistreatment. While opponents of the term “parental alienation” claim that researchers fail to make this distinction, proponents acknowledge that there are many reasons for a distant or non-existent relationship between parent and child. Proponents recognize the importance of identifying the reason for contact refusal, rather than relying on assumptions.
Accounting for Cases Involving Family Violence
Several arguments against recognition of parental alienation focus on how use of this term will put women and children in danger, claiming that proponents of this term recommend a presumption of shared parenting even in cases involving abuse. The authors correctly note that those who recognize P.A. do take family violence seriously and do not advocate for shared parenting in every case. Another argument claims that abusive men misuse the term “parental alienation” to deflect from allegations of abuse and continue to control their ex-partner. The authors cite research showing that in cases where parental alienation is substantiated, claims of abuse against the alienated parent are often unproven.
Clear and Convincing Evidence of the Harm of Parental Alienation
Those who disagree with the recognition of parental alienation remain unconvinced of its ability to cause harm, with some even claiming that the occurrence of parental alienation is so low that it is not a systemic issue. Research shows that alienating behaviours are common, although not all children are successfully alienated.
Furthermore, the literature demonstrates the harm caused by parental alienation. Researchers may categorize it as a form of intimate partner violence and emotional child abuse that can leave children with long-term emotional issues, the loss of a loving and capable parent, and severe psychosocial disturbances. Adults who are the target of alienation suffer complex trauma.
Consequences of Removal From an Alienated Parent and Reunification Options
There are those who claim that being removed from the care of an alienating parent is significantly more harmful than alienating behaviours, but existing research supports this approach when a child has been subject to severe alienation. A change in primary residence is recommended only in cases where other measures have failed and the alienating parent’s conduct causes clear harm to the child.
The existing body of research also shows that reunification programs are often effective in certain contexts at protecting the well-being of alienated parents and their children.
Parental alienation is supported by a growing body of research across disciplines, and categorical dismissal of it as a concept is not consistent with current literature or what is best for children who have been alienated.
Check out the footnotes to the Harman & Kruk article. The quality and weight of the evidence is overwhelming.
Also have a look at:
Children Resisting Contact & Parental Alienation: Strategies for Lawyers in High Conflict Parenting Cases, 2024 CanLIIDocs 921 Nicholas Bala, Rachel Birnbaum, Jessica Farshait
Bill C-223 and parental alienation: Trust the judges, not the politicians Nicholas Bala and Rachel Birnbaum, Law360, 28 October 2025
