Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)

What is PAS?

PAS is a term used to describe a situation in which a child becomes estranged from one parent due to the manipulation of the other parent. In severe cases of PAS, the child may develop a complete dependence on the alienating parent and view the alienated parent as an enemy.

What causes PAS?

PAS is often caused by a parent who is unable to accept the end of the relationship and who tries to turn the child against the other parent. This can be done through a variety of means, such as:

• Badmouthing the other parent to the child
• Making false accusations about the other parent
• Preventing the child from seeing or talking to the other parent
• Trying to control the child’s life

What are the signs of PAS?

The signs of PAS can vary depending on the severity of the situation. Some common signs include:

• The child refuses to see or talk to the alienated parent.
• The child makes false accusations against the alienated parent.
• The child expresses extreme anger or hatred towards the alienated parent.
• The child becomes overly dependent on the alienating parent.

How is PAS treated?

PAS can be a very difficult condition to treat. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the best treatment will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. However, some common treatments include:

• Therapy for the child
• Therapy for the parents
• Parent-child education
• Mediation

How can I prevent PAS?

The best way to prevent PAS is to communicate with your child about the end of the relationship in a positive and age-appropriate way. It is important to avoid badmouthing the other parent to the child and to allow the child to have a relationship with both parents.

If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing PAS, it is important to seek professional help immediately.

Here are some additional resources about PAS:

• The American Psychological Association:<Address URL Invalid removed>
• The National Association of Parental Alienation Specialists: <Address URL Invalid removed>
• The book “Parental Alienation: The Handbook for Mental Health and Legal Professionals”: <Address URL Invalid removed>