What is Parental Alienation Syndrome?

What happens when your ex-spouse tries to turn the kids against you?

Stephen Henderson speaks with Dr. Amy J.L. Baker one of the country’s leading experts on Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS), which affects some children of divorce.  According to Dr. Baker, PAS occurs when a parent emotionally manipulates a child into turning a child against his or her other parent, in the absence of abuse or neglect. There 17 primary alienation strategies that the favorite parent engages in when they’re attempting to turn a child against the other parent; and there are 8 behavioral patterns a child exhibits when they are under the influence of PAS. Dr. Baker believes that today’s judges are not trained to recognize PAS and would like to see a program implemented where judges are taught about parental alienation. She feels that the best way to combat PAS is to nip it in the bud, make people aware of the signs of PAS, before it becomes a mental health issue.  If you feel that you are the victim of PAS, Dr. Baker, says that these are the 4 factors when alienation is occurring.

  • There use to be a good relationship between the child and the alienated parent.
  • The favorite parent is using the 17 primary alienation strategies.
  • There is no evidence of neglect or abuse from the rejected parent.
  • The child is exhibiting the 8 behavior patterns of alienation. 

To hear the entire conversation, please click the link above.                    

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