Parental Alienation: A Serious Form of Child Psychological Abuse That Affects Children All Over the World

Parental alienation is a significant mental illness that professionals working with children, adolescents, and adults should be aware of. Parental alienation is most common in high-conflict separations and divorces, but it can also occur in other circumstances. One case study involving two siblings is described in this article. It depicts parental alienation in the context of a high-conflict divorce, which could be overcome with a concerted intervention by child protective services and the family court, in collaboration with a trained psychologist. Despite the existence of over a thousand professional articles, book chapters, and books, as well as empirical research from all over the world (see website https://ckm.vumc.org/pasg), there is still a lack of awareness or even denial of parental alienation in professional practise. Stopping parental alienating behaviours is imperative for the promotion of the best interests of children and the health of families.