It is estimated that approximately 740,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. are victims of parental alienation. The United States has the sixth-highest divorce rate in the world with approximately 50% of marriages ending in divorce.
Divorce is one of the most stressful family events which often causes changes in family dynamics. The degree of conflict between parents during and after separation has been identified as the single best predictor of outcomes for children after divorce. Since the alienating parent is more concerned with their own needs than effectively meeting the emotional needs of the child, they cultivate unhealthy attachments with their children, resulting in numerous life-long struggles.
These parents, like cult leaders, undermine the independent thinking skills of their children and cultivate an unhealthy dependency designed to satisfy their own emotional needs rather than the developmental needs of the child. It has been established that parental alienation is a form of child abuse and can lead to a loss of self-esteem, self-hatred, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Areas affected by PA which will be highlighted in future posts are relationships, self-esteem, substance abuse, and anger.
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