PAI_Newsletter_March_2022

Parental Alienation International
Advancing worldwide understanding in the field of parental alienation
www.pasg.info
March 2022 Parental Alienation Study Group Volume 7 • Issue 2

Targeted Parent

Columnist Needed!
pg 4

Introducing

Alienated Children
First pg 7

Mother’s Day, UK

and Ireland pg 9

Adult survivors of

severe parental
alienation (SPA)
experienced as
children pg 10

Recent

publications pg 15
March 2022 T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Volume 7 • Issue 2
News About PASG
3 Outstanding Work from Around the World

Dr. Mandy Matthewson and Donna-Maria Logue
4 Targeted Parent Columnist Needed!

Dr. Mandy Matthewson and Donna-Maria Logue
5 PASG 2021 and PASG 2023

Dr. William Bernet
6 Sign Our Petition, Please!

Amanda Sillars
Feature Articles
7 Introducing Alienated Children First

Paul Anderson
9 Mother’s Day, UK and Ireland

Donna-Maria Logue
Columns
10 Adult survivors of severe parental alienation (SPA) experienced as children

Alyse Price Tobler
13 What do I do when a parent consults with me and says their child is alienated from them…?
Dr. Mandy Matthewson
15 Recent Publications
Compiled by Robert Ferrer
Departments
21 Contact Information for PASG Officers and PAI Editors
22 About the Parental Alienation Study Group
22 About Parental Alienation International
Cover Photo by Tong Su • Unsplash
Parental Alienation Study Group

March 2022 2 www.pasg.info
E D I T O R I A L
Outstanding Work from Around the World

By Dr. Mandy Matthewson and Donna-Maria Logue
WELCOME TO THE SECOND ISSUE of the Parental Alienation International for 2022. We have
another exciting issue for you full of announcements and updates from around the world.
This issue begins with a call for a new Targeted Parent Columnist. If you are interested in this role,
please contact us – Dr. Mandy Matthewson Mandy.Matthewson@utas.edu.au and Donna-Maria Logue
donnamaria.vita@gmail.com.
We have an update on PASG2021. We are excited to inform you that many of the PASG2021 presentations
are available now on the PASG YouTube channel. We are also thrilled to announce that PASG2023 is
coming to Australia! Get ready to come to the land down under in 2023. More details to come.
Amanda Sillars from the Eeny Meeny Miney Mo Foundation requests your signature on a petition to have
parental alienating behaviours legislated against in Australia. We also introduce you to the outstanding
work of Alienated Children First in Ireland.
Alyse Price-Tobler shares an update on her hopes in recruiting adult survivors of severe parental alien-
ation experienced as a child. If this interests you or someone you know please mind too complete the
“expression of interest form”. Also it would be a great help to Alyse Price-Tobler if you could share this
call out among your colleagues.
Dr. Matthewson paints a picture of her work with targeted parents and Robert Ferrer provides a summary
of the latest parental alienation publications from around the world.
Donna-Maria Logue shares insight into the preparations that are underway at La Dolce Vita Project for
Mothers Day (Ireland and UK) at the end of March.
Please take care and stay safe! 

NEWS ABOUT PASG
N E W S A B O U T P A S G
NEWS
NEWS ABOUT
ABOUT
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NEWS ABOUT PASG
NEWS2021
PASG ABOUT PASG
and PASG 2023
PASG 2021 and PASG 2023
Dr. William
PASG 2021 Bernet
and PASG 2023
Dr. William Bernet
PASG
Dr.
PASG 2021
William
2021 TOOK
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TOOK PLACE
PLACE IN Brussels.
IN Brussels. It was fantastic
It was fantastic to see manyto presenters
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delegates attended in person in addition to online engagement. The presentations were
the PASG YouTube channel. channel
translated simultaneously into Dutch, German, French, and English. We are pleased to
announce that some presentations are now available on the PASG YouTube channel
There will be no conference this year, but we are hopeful PASG 2023 will take place on the
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia! Keep an eye out for more information.
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

NEWS ABOUT PASG
Sign Our Petition, Please!
Sign Our Petition, Please!
Amanda Sillars
By Amanda Sillars
THE EENY MEENY MINEY MO FOUNDATION is petitioning the Australian Federal Government to
THElegislate
EENYagainst
MEENY MINEY
parental alienatingMO FOUNDATION
behaviours. is petitioning
We have had over the and
15,500 signatures Australian Federal
we really want to reach
Government to legislate against parental alienating behaviours. We have had
25,000. Please show your support by signing and sharing out petition. You can find it here. over 15, 500
signatures and we really want to reach 25, 000. Please show your support by signing and
Thank you for your support. 
sharing out petition. You can find it here.
Thank you for your support.

F E A T U R E A R T I C L E
Since then, members of the group individually influenced the Roman Catholic church to
Introducing Alienated Children First
have a homily throughout Ireland on Parental Alienation see
By Paul Anderson
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-04/family-parental-alienation-peace-
amoris-la etitia.html
ALIENATED CHILDREN FIRST (ACF) is an Irish non-government organisation made up of alienated parents
who aim to work towards the recognition and prevention of parental alienation, early intervention and reduction
In 2021, ACF had a media coup when over 3 weeks a local radio channel, East Coast Radio,
of parental alienation. ACF also recognises the need for support services for parents and especially for children
broadcast interviews with alienated parents, a now-adult alienated child, representatives from
such as for reunification, counselling and legal supports.
NGOs, a politician plus the present Minister of Justice about parental alienation. Most of these
interviews
Parental are on alienated.ie
Alienation does not haveorone
at standard definition but the one used by Helen McEntee, Irish Minister for
https://www.eastcoast.fm/podcasts2/podcasts/the-morning-show/
Justice and CAFCASS (UKs Children Family and Advice Support Services) is:
In addition to this “
Parental
work alienation
ACF have haswebinars
run seven been described
that have as a situation
included the topwhen
International
and Irish experts onaparental
child’s alienation
resistanceincluding Dr William
or hostility towardsBernet, Dr Jennifer
one parent is notHarman, Dr
Amy Baker, Richard justified and is the result of psychological manipulation and Dorcy
Hogan, Judge Philip Marcus (retired), Dr Craig Childress
Pruter. by the other parent”.
The Vision
ACF aim ofisthis
that work is to
the rights of not
everyonly
childeducate
to normalprofessionals buttheir
family life and to best
helpinterests
parentsaretoo. These in family
protected
championsand
separation have allisbeen
there zeroexcellent andparental
tolerance for have allalienating
given their preciousintime
behaviours free.
family conflict. This vision is based
on the full implementation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
On 30th March ACF are delighted to announce that we will host parental alienation expert
Article
Karen 3Woodall.
– The bestYouinterests
can seeof the childwebinars
these must be aand
top will
priority
be in all decisions
able and our
to book for actions that affect
forthcoming
children
webinar(Paramountcy Principle). Also articles 5 – 7 – 8 – 18 – 19 but especially article 9 – Children must not
at http://alienated.ie/
be separated from their parents against their will unless it is in their best interests (for example, if a parent is
hurting
ACF are or in
neglecting a child).fervently
the meantime Children awaiting
whose parents have separated
a governmental haveon
report theparental
right to stay in contact
alienation in with
both parents unless this could cause them harm.
other jurisdictions and the following public consultations on parental alienation.
We have been active in one form or another since one of our founding members began a petition to make
We believe it is important you understand that you are not alone. We believe the
‘Parental Alienation a Crime in Ireland.’ The petition reached nearly 4000 signatures. After discussion with a
traumatic experience you are living through, is sadly not unique.
councillor, they and parents throughout Ireland ran the successful Council Campaign where between 2019–21,
31 of the 32 councils in Ireland passed motions calling on the Irish Government to recognise and address
For more information about Alienated Children First please contact ACF on
parental alienation.
info@alienated.ie or visit our website on www.alienated.ie
La Dolce Vita Project was crucial in presenting on Parental Alienation in Donegal that helped influence
Councillors cross-party to pass the first motion on Parental Alienation in the Republic of Ireland.
Since then, ACF members have lobbied the media politicians. In one year ACF had over 30 Parliamentary
questions asked on the issue see
https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/search/?q=%22parental+alienation%22&sort=relevance

Since then, members of the group individually influenced the Roman Catholic church to have a homily through-
out Ireland on Parental Alienation. In 2021, ACF had a media coup when over 3 weeks a local radio channel,
East Coast Radio, broadcast interviews with alienated parents, a now-adult alienated child, representatives from
NGOs, a politician plus the present Minister of Justice about parental alienation. Most of these interviews are
on www.alienated.ie or at
https://www.eastcoast.fm/podcasts2/podcasts/the-morning-show/
In addition to this work ACF have run seven webinars that have included the top International and Irish experts
on parental alienation including Dr. William Bernet, Dr. Jennifer Harman, Dr. Amy Baker, Richard Hogan,
Judge Philip Marcus (retired), Dr. Craig Childress and Dorcy Pruter.
The aim of this work is to not only educate professionals but to help parents too. These champions have all
been excellent and have all given their precious time free.
On 30th March ACF are delighted to announce that we will host parental alienation expert Karen Woodall. You
can see these webinars and will be able to book for our forthcoming webinar at http://alienated.ie/
ACF are in the meantime fervently awaiting a governmental report on parental alienation in other jurisdictions
and the following public consultations on parental alienation.
We believe it is important you understand that you are not alone. We believe the traumatic experience you are
living through, is sadly not unique.
For more information about Alienated Children First please contact ACF on info@alienated.ie or visit our
website on www.alienated.ie 
Find PASG on Facebook

You can find PASG on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ParentalAlienationStudyGroup/
Visit our Facebook page, become a friend, and write a comment.

FEATURE ARTICLE
F E A T U R E A R T I C L E
Mother’s Day, UK and Ireland

Mother’s Day, UK and Ireland
By Donna-Maria
By Donna-Maria Logue Logue
Sunday 27th March 2022 welcomes Mother’s Day across the Island of Ireland and the UK.
La DolceSunday
Vita Project
27thspoke with2022
March alienated
mother’s and asked what would have made
welcomes Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day different for you? Here is
what theyacross
said: the Island of Ireland
and the Uk.
“Mother’s Day for me came and went with-
La Dolce Vitathat
out any acknowledgement Project
I was a mum.
For me it would be acknowledgement.”
spoke with alienated
“I wantedmother’s andin,asked
to get the day what
to forget about it,
would have made Mother’s
every year is another reminder that I am liv-
ing without my boys, at the same time I also
Day different for you? Here
wanted someone to let me know they cared.”
is what they said:
“I would have loved to had something to
distract my mind, maybe help other mums
on that day, go for a cuppa, anything to get
out of the“Mother’s
house, wouldDay for me came
work.”
and went without any acknowledgement that I was a mum. For me it would be
“Not to be left on my own”.
acknowledgement.”
La Dolce Vita Project team members decided to find a better way to acknowledge this Mother’s Day. Let us
show our“I wanted
mothers that to
weget the day
absolutely in,With
care. to forget about
this in mind, we it, everyto year
decided make isup another reminder
Mother’s Day gift bags for
alienatedthat I am
mothers andliving withoutEach
grandmothers. mywill
boys, at the
receive same
a card with atime I also
message wanted
filled someone
with expressions to let
of love.
me know they cared.”
We have arranged a cuppa and a beautiful walk along the quay so that no one we have supported feels alone this
Mother’s Day.
“I would have loved to had something to distract my mind, maybe help other
To all alienated mothers. grandmothers, siblings, aunts, partners, we care for you. You are not alone and no
mums
matter where you on
are that
in theday,
worldgo
thisfor day weanything
a cuppa,
Mother’s toofget
are thinking out
you. Youofarethe
all house,
amazing.would
You are all
work.”
inspirational. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day 2022. 
“Not to be left on my own”.

La Dolce Vita Project team members decided to find a better way to
acknowledge this Mother’s Day. Let us show our mothers that we absolutely
care. With this in mind, we decided to make up Mother’s Day gift bags for
alienated mothers and grandmothers. Each will receive a card with a message
filled with expressions of love. We have arranged a cuppa and a beautiful walk
along the quay so that no one we have supported feels alone this Mother’s Day.

I N T E R V E N T I O N S C O L U M N
Adult survivors of severe parental alienation (SPA) experienced

as children
By Alyse Price Tobler
ALYSE PRICE TOBLER is seeking to recruit adult survivors of severe parental alienation (SPA)
experienced as children.
This study is not looking for targeted parents, I’m sorry. Instead, I have decided to include a personal message
and a bit about myself as a researcher to allow you to understand why I believe this research is so important.
My name is Alyse Price-Tobler, and I am a Ph.D. candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) in
Qld, Australia. I am a private practice clinical psychotherapist (MCAP) and an adult survivor of severe paren-
tal alienation. I also work clinically in private practice near Sydney, Australia, with adult survivors of parental
alienation and targeted parents.
Part one of my concurrent study interviews adult survivors of SPA on their perspectives of the therapy they
have received from mental health practitioners. I am researching stories about treatments adult survivors may
have received while going through the family court as children and adolescents (willingly or unwillingly) or
later in life when they have looked for help on their own. This includes perspectives of mental health profes-
sionals they sought out, did any counselling help, and if not, why? This is part one of a two-part study, with
mental health practitioners as the second study group. However, at this point, I have completed my interviews
with mental health practitioners. Thank you to everyone who helped to distribute the EOI for mental health
practitioners. Thank you if you are a mental health practitioner who participated in the research.
Data from this study will be used to develop a treatment protocol for a clinical trial. Currently, to my knowl-
edge, no treatment protocol exists that deals specifically with adult survivors of SPA (not children or reunifica-
tion programs or camps) for front line mental health practitioners.
Preliminary results from my research
Adult survivor participants report that they have seen practitioners who are not trained to look for or treat SPA
symptoms associated with their childhood trauma. This lack of professional knowledge has left participants
feeling much worse, sometimes even suicidal. Seeing untrained practitioners has also come at a financial cost.
Many also report that they do not have the energy to keep fighting lifelong untreated SPA symptoms and the un-
relenting campaign of alienating family members. They worry that they may die by suicide to get some peace.
However, other participants have reported being helped by exceptional practitioners. I want to know what these
exceptional practitioners do to help.
I hear stories from adult survivors about their childhood SPA trauma daily in my private practice. However, as
a frontline mental health practitioner, I can tell you that the stories still play out in their lives as adults as if it
was yesterday, as well as the profoundly ingrained pattern within the families and how they need to manage this
ongoing story from childhood. I am also aware that the family dynamics in this space never stop, and they are
lifelong and far-reaching.
The stories I hear in session are shocking. The message that I want you to know is that children of SPA often
grow up to be very distressed adults, and we need to offer them the best practice that we can design.
In my world, it is not enough to just focus on children anymore, as many of these children have now grown up
and are pleading for help. This work is not for the faint-hearted or the untrained practitioner. We need more

resources put into the training mental health practitioners about PA and SPA and we also need to study the
adults who have experienced SPA as children as soon as is possible.
For my Ph.D., I have had to perform an extensive literature review in both the academic peer-reviewed and grey
literature on treatment protocols currently available for mental health practitioners to use with adult survivors.
The results were interesting, to say the least.
This research is timely and important because if we do not listen and understand what the adult survivors are
saying about their experiences with practitioners (now as adults and when they were children), I believe we
are missing a large piece of the puzzle we are trying to solve. Also, suppose we do not figure out a treatment
protocol for the practitioners who work with the adult survivors of SPA? Then, will the next generation of
children be further exposed to all the untreated symptoms from the current adult survivors, and the problem
will continue along as an untreated, unchecked intergenerational trauma pattern? In my own family, this has
definitely been the case! Unfortunately, I often feel that my work focuses on child abuse and suicide prevention
combined.
I will attach my ‘Expression of Interest’ flyer for adult survivors of SPA as children. This may seem strange that
I am asking for help to recruit adult survivors when I work with them every day, but ethically I cannot ask my
clients to be part of my study.
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at: alyse.price-tobler@research.usc.edu.au 
You can earn money for PASG effortlessly.

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for your usual purchases on Amazon, at no cost to you. When you shop at
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T A R G E T E D P A R E N T C O L U M N
What do I do when a parent consults with me and says their child is

alienated from them…?
By Dr. Mandy Matthewson
IN MY CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE, I often see parents who describe experiencing parental
alienating behaviours from their ex-partner. Some of the parents have no contact with their children, others
have limited contact, and some are embroiled in parenting disputes that are playing out in a court. Regardless
of the details of the experiences of the parents, how I work with them is the same. In many respects, the way I
work with the parents is the same as the way I work with any other client needing psychological support.
I listen. I listen carefully. I listen to try and understand their experience, their feelings, their thoughts, their
behaviours, their motivations for their behaviours. I listen to the things they say to me verbally, I observe what
they’re saying non-verbally and I pay attention to what is not being said but is noticeable in the room. I let them
know I’m listening, and I do not judge. Because by the time many parents come to see me, they feel as though
they have not been listened to and that they have been judged by others who have not walked in their shoes.
When parents are navigating the complex and distressing roller coaster ride of a parenting dispute in a court,
the need for me to listen in a non-judgmental manner is paramount. This is because the processes involved in
legal disputes are all about judgement. The details of their personal lives are judged by judges or magistrates,
lawyers, expert witnesses, and anyone else who is asked to provide or feels the need to offer an opinion. My
job as a therapist is not to provide an opinion. My job is to listen, understand, help the client to understand their
experience and to offer therapeutic support.
I help the client to understand their experience by sharing with them my observations based on the psycholog-
ical assessments I have conducted. These assessments always consist of information gathering through inter-
view. It can also include information collected from more formal assessments using surveys, questionnaires
and/or structured interview schedules.
Based on the information I discover about my client I develop a plan to support them. I will teach my clients
coping strategies. I will provide them with psychoeducation, which is a special form of information transmis-
sion designed to help a person to make sense of their situation in a way that changes their thinking, behaviours,
and the way they manage their emotional reactions to experiences. I respectfully and empathically challenge
them to address unhelpful ways of coping, behaving, and thinking. These conversations are not the same as
“just having a chat.” These are carefully thought out, carefully constructed and skilled conversations psycholo-
gists are trained to have.
I sit with them and hold space while they grieve the loss of their children or the loss of the parenting role they
thought they would have. Holding space is not the same as just sitting there with someone while passing the
time. It involves being completely focused on only the person in the room with you. It involves being physically
and emotionally present with that person. It involves sitting in their pain with them while quietly and strategi-
cally using therapeutic skills to bring about co-regulation. Co-regulation in a therapeutic relationship involves
the psychologist sharing their calm and steady focus with the client to help the client to feel calmer.
I am also on the lookout for any issues of risk. Through the conversations I have with these parents and the
observations I make I’m always checking to see if they are thinking about suicide as an option for ending their
distress. I do this in subtle ways and sometimes I need to do this in more direct ways in the conversation. I do
this because I know the suicide rate is high for this group of clients. I do this because I care and not just
because I’m obliged by my profession to do no harm.

When I’m working with these parents, I do not provide legal advice or strategise legal responses. I am not a
lawyer. This is outside of my role. Instead, I give these parents space to problem solve, think through different
courses of action, and support them to make their own decisions about their next steps. I can’t tell them what
these next steps are. These steps are theirs. Not mine. I can only therapeutically support them in their deci-
sion-making process and through the outcomes of their decisions.
This work is not easy. It is emotionally exhausting, but it is most rewarding. To be allowed into a person’s
life and trusted to support and guide them through the hardest times in their life is a privilege. I cannot help
everyone. I am just one person and there are so many parents trying to survive this painful experience.
For more information about parental alienating behaviours and how to cope with them, go to
www.emmm.org.au 

R E C E N T P U B L I C A T I O N S
Compiled by Robert Ferrer, PASG Archivist

IN THIS SECTION, ROBERT FERRER, PASG Archivist, provides citations and abstracts for recently published
articles related to parental alienation. The citations are entered into the searchable Parental Alienation Database,
also accessible from the PASG website. Many citations will provide access to the full-text version of the
article. To have an article considered for this section, email Robert Ferrer at r-ferrer@illinois.edu
Note from R. Ferrer: The following articles are from critics who recycle familiar misinformation rhetoric
regarding Parental Alienation. They associate allegations of Parental Alienation as the manipulations of child
abusers and batterers to control their spouses and mislead the justice system.
“Am I Still a Parent?”: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Parental Alienation,

Social Alienation and Stigma Consciousness in Australia
By: Stanley (Stan) A. Korosi. (2021). Dissertation. University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Australia.
30 October 2021. 320p. https://doi.org/10.25907/00106
Abstract: The study addresses a largely unrecognised dimension of parental alienation, namely the social im-
pacts on the parent rejected by their child. Parental alienation is typically understood as a form of child psycho-
logical abuse and family violence. It occurs when a favoured-alienating parent manipulates and coerces their
children to use irrational and unfounded reasons to reject their other, targeted alienated parent. Parental alien-
ation harms alienated children, and silences, stigmatises and marginalises parents whose children have rejected
them. The literature formulates parental alienation as child psychological abuse or a mental health condition
in alienated children. There has been little research into how the targeted-alienated parent experiences parental
alienation. The available research focuses on the psychological and emotional impacts of parental alienation with
little consideration given to the power relations in the family and the social factors influencing family relation-
ships and behaviours. This study addresses this with a critical realist and social constructionist methodology
using a mixed methods design. The research methods include a survey of targeted-alienated parents; in-depth
interviews that invite participants’ consideration of sociological concepts for describing their experiences; and
researcher reflectivity. A social justice orientation to the research leads to an enquiry into the social dimensions
of targeted-alienated parents’ lived experiences using social alienation and stigma consciousness.
A critical theory interpretation of the research results suggests that parental alienation is a discursive process
where the favored-alienating parent manipulates social identities and power relations. In conjunction with social
institutions such as family law, alienating parenting is normalized, which “unparents” the targeted alienated par-
ent by stigmatizing them and annihilating their parenting identity. The study concludes by proposing that paren-
tal alienation is an alienating power discourse that is oppressive and unjust to targeted-alienated parents and their
children. It is a social issue requiring socio-cultural de-alienation.
Subjects: Social Impact; Legal; Targeted Parent
Note from R. Ferrer: The next two articles are from a Special Issue: Family Conflict After Separation and
Divorce. The Summer 2020 special issue is from Feedback: Journal of the Family Therapy Association of Ireland
(FTAI). Family Therapy Association of Ireland (FTAI) is the professional organization which represents family
therapy and therapists in Ireland. It is the professional body that accredits and monitors family and couple
therapists It accredits Therapists at registered and supervisor level and has a section for student and associate
members.

The Five-Factor Model for the Diagnosis of Parental Alienation
By: William Bernet, M.D. (2020). Feedback: Journal of the Family Therapy Association of Ireland, Vol 6,
Summer 2020. pgs. 3-15.
Abstract: The Five-Factor Model is a method for diagnosing parental alienation by understanding and identify-
ing the components of this mental condition. The Five-Factor Model includes the following criteria: Factor One,
the child manifests contact resistance or refusal, i.e., avoids a relationship with one of the parents. Factor Two,
the presence of a prior positive relationship between the child and the now-rejected parent. Factor Three, the
absence of abuse, neglect, or seriously deficient parenting on the part of the now-rejected parent. Factor Four, the
use of multiple alienating behaviors on the part of the favored parent. Factor Five, the child exhibits many of the
eight behavioral manifestations of alienation. This article presents the historical background of the Five-Factor
Model and summarizes the research basis for Factor Four and Factor Five.
Subjects: Five-Factor Model; Diagnosis
Resolving issues of diagnosis when working with alienated children

and families
By: Wygant, S. A. (2020). Feedback: Journal of the Family Therapy Association of Ireland, Vol 6, Summer 2020,
pgs. 28-42.
Abstract: Despite a growing awareness of the harmful effects of parental alienation (Kruk, 2018), diagnosis and
treatment remain a significant challenge (Butz & Evans, 2019). Overcoming this challenge requires an under-
standing of how to (1) measure and document a child ’s exposure to alienating behaviors, (2) diagnose symptoms
of parental alienation within the family system , and (3) implement effective treatment strategies. The following
is a brief guide to help clinicians resolve some of the most common diagnostic issues encountered when working
with alienated children and families
Subjects: Diagnosis; Treatment
Reliability of the Five-Factor Model for Determining Parental Alienation

By: Stephen Lee Morrison & Robyn Ring (2021). The American Journal of Family Therapy, DOI:
10.1080/01926187.2021.2021831. 31 Dec 2021. 20p.
Abstract: Mental health practitioners (MHPs) need a reliable assessment tool for parental alienation (PA).
This study assesses the reliability of the Five-Factor Model (FFM) asserted to test for PA. The FFM contains
five criteria; Yes, responses to each of the five criterion is asserted to indicate PA is occurring. Six vignettes
were presented to respondents, who provided a response for each of the five criteria. The Intraclass Correlation
Coefficient indicated reliability with an average of 0.923 for all vignettes. The Cronbach Alpha values indicate
consistency, with an average of 0.926. FFM was determined to be a reliable assessment tool for PA.
Subjects: Parental alienation; reliability; child abuse; domestic violence; Five-Factor Model

La inclusión del síndrome de Alienación Parental como un tipo de maltrato
psicológico en el Art. 67 del Código de la Niñez y Adolescencia frente a la Figura
Jurídica de Tenencia de menores y Régimen de Visitas en el D.M. de Quito (Spanish)
The inclusion of Parental Alienation Syndrome as a type of abuse psychological in
Art. 67 of the Child and Adolescent Code against the Legal Figure Detention of Mi-
nors and Regime of Visits in the DM of Quito (Google Machine Translated English)
By: Paulina Elizabeth Castañeda Orosco (May 2016). UNIVERSIDAD CENTRAL DEL ECUADOR (CENTRAL
UNIVERSITY OF ECUADOR). Dissertation: Research project prior to obtaining the title of Lawyer. 120p.
Abstract: The current investigation project is intended to consider the Parental Alienation Syndrome as a type of
psychological maltreatment imposed by parents to minors, including, provisions contained in juridical standards to
sanctions it with the interruption of the tenancy, and as an alternative psychological treatment for the alienator parent,
the affected parent and children and teenagers that are the most affected people by such syndrome. In the Ecuadorian
society, tenancy of minors is acquired almost always by the mother, with disagreement by the parent who usually states
that he has the same rights and abilities to be granted childcare. In several cases mothers create scenes due to resent-
ments maintained with the ex-couple, resulting in rejection feelings as if they were their own, and beginning SAP. Due
to absence of the subject in the legal regulation, many cases have stayed in silence and have damaged affective links of
the minor to his/her father or mother; hence, a juridical regulation should be included in the SAP intended to warrant
the child higher interest.
Subjects: Parental Alienation Syndrome; Psychological Abuse Children and Teens; Possession of Child; Visitation;
Principle of Children Best Interests; Minors.
Síndrome de alienación parental (Spanish)

Parental alienation syndrome (Google Translate English)
By: Ana Margarita Maida S., Viviana Herskovic M., and Bernardita Prado A. (2011). Revista Chilena de Pediatría
(Chilean Journal of Pediatrics), 82:6, November - December 2011, pgs. 485-492, 8p.
Abstract: Parental Alienation Syndrome is characterized by the presence of a campaign of denigration towards a
previously loved parent, which is done by instigating unjustified fear and hatred in the course of a divorce custody
battle. In this campaign one parent instills resentment in the child and is successful when the child itself directly shuns
the accused parent. The resentment in the child extends towards the family of the accused parent. The syndrome arises
in the absence of actual abuse, which would justify the child’s rejection. Pediatricians have access to their patients’
family crisis and are in a special stance to acknowledge it. The parental alienation syndrome is a form of emotional
child abuse and both psychological assessment and multidisciplinary intervention are required to stop it. In this article
we provide an update on parental alienation syndrome and was motivated by the authors’ intervention in clinical cases
where this diagnosis was posed.
Subjects: Parental alienation, divorce, child abuse

El fenómeno denominado Alienación Parental (AP) y sus implicaciones
forenses en la jurisdicción civil en España (Spanish)
Parental Alienation (PA) phenomenon and its forensic implications in the
civil courts in Spain (Google Translate English)
By: Tejero - Acevedo, Roberto and González - Trijueque, David (2013). Revista Iberoamericana de Diagnóstico
y Evaluación e Avaliaçao Psicológica (Rev Iberoam Diagn Ev). (Ibero-American Journal of Diagnosis and
Evaluation and Psychological Assessment). 2013; p183-208. Portugal
Abstract: This paper reviews the course of phenomenon called Parental Alienation (PA) and controversy it has
generated, describing known data about its nosological entity, assessment, clinical course or treatment. It ana-
lyzes the legal and forensic implications on the basis of case law that it has been generated. Is conducted a biblio-
metric study, which analyzes judgments issued by appellate civil courts in Spain during 2010 and 2011 (N = 58).
PA was credited in 17.2% of judgments and led to the presence of forensic reports in 89.7%. All of judgments
(100%) were related to custody proceedings, in which the mother was figure most accused as alienating (65.5%),
followed by the father (32.5%), and were applied different forms of treatment. It reflects on the need to improve
knowledge of the phenomenon more effectively to assist the lawyer.
Subjects: Parental Alienation; Forensic Psychology; Child Custody; Bibliometric Study
2022 Proposals for a Discussion on amendments in the Law and improvements

to the Family Court procedures (Report)
By: Dr. Ivan Sammut (Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Malta). Happy Parenting - Malta
(For Happier Children) committee@happyparentingmalta.com (+356) 7760 3330. 2022. 6p. Malta.
Abstract: The proposals being made here are among many that are being mentioned and studied in various
other countries. In the same way that we are ready to analyse developments in other areas of society to improve
the situation in our country, we need to observe, analyse and study this field properly. Children’s lives in the
environment of the family, irrespective of whether it is an ideal one or one that hurts, leaves an indelible mark on
their lived experiences. We cannot waste more time because today’s children are the young people of tomorrow
and the adult generation a few years down the line. What happens today reflects on our expectations of the future.
You and I are responsible for our country’s society.
Subjects: Happy Parenting – Malta (for Happier Children); Proposal; Legal; Shared Parenting; Parental Alienation
A Roadmap for the Treatment of Parental Alienation

By: Alan D. Blotcky, Ph.D., William Bernet, M.D., and Jennifer J. Harman, Ph.D. Michigan Family Law Journal.
Volume 52, No: 1, January 2022. p. 15-18.
Abstract: Parental alienation is a pathological phenomenon that sometimes occurs in families who are experi-
encing a high-conflict divorce. Alienating behaviors are the means whereby one parent intentionally and pur-
posefully alienates a child from the other parent by using a variety of tactics and maneuvers to poison the child’s
thinking and beliefs. The goal is for the child to reject the targeted parent and to perceive that parent as unloving,
undeserving, and even dangerous. If convinced, the child develops the mental condition of parental alienation.
The child’s alienation condition can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe in intensity. Each level of severity
has a unique treatment approach.
Subjects: Parental Alienation; Treatment; High-Conflict Divorce; Three Severities of Parental Alienation
Maltrato Por Alienación Parental: Un Análisis De Las Consecuencias Penales Del
Desarrollo Jurídico Del Síndrome De Alienación Parental En Estados Unidos,
España, Argentina Y Puerto Rico (Spanish)
Abuse By Parental Alienation: An Analysis of Legal the Criminal Consequences
of Legal Development of Parental Alienation Syndrome in States: United
States, Spain, Argentina, and Puerto Rico (Google Translate English)
By: Lin Collazo Carro, MA (May 2014). Revista Jurídica: Universidad Interamericana De Puerto Rico Facul-
tad De Derecho (Legal Magazine: Inter-American University of Puerto Rico Law School). Puerto Rico, 2014,
31pgs. Dissertation: Juris Doctor degree from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law.
Abstract: Through this article, a critical analysis is carried out of the proposal before the House of Represen-
tatives of Puerto Rico for a bill to classify mistreatment due to parental alienation as a misdemeanor. What is
known in the world of behavioral sciences as the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is discussed, and its use as
the theoretical framework associated with the bill is questioned. In addition, it compares the measure proposed
by the Puerto Rican legislature with the way in which other jurisdictions that have handled the issue of parental
alienation. Both laws and jurisprudence associated with SAP from Puerto Rico, the United States, Spain, and
Argentina are reviewed.
Subjects: Parental Alienation; Parental Alienation Syndrome; Puerto Rico; Legislation
El síndrome de alienación parental como causal para variar la tenencia

(Spanish)
The parental alienation syndrome as a cause to vary tenure (Google Translated
English)
By: Bruno Fernando Avalos Pretell (2018). GACETA CIVIL & PROCESAL CIVIL (CIVIL GAZETTE &
CIVIL PROCEDURE). Lima, Peru. Number 65, November 2018. pp. 255-270.
Abstract: In this article, the author analyzes, from the national and comparative doctrine and jurisprudence, the
treatment that the parental alienation syndrome receives as a cause to vary the exclusive possession in favor of
the rejected parent. Likewise, it proposes to interrelate the levels of intensity of the aforementioned psychologi-
cal disorder with the way in which the change of ownership of the possession is carried out, since it affirms that
only in this way will it be possible to emotionally relink the alienated minor with his rejected father and guaran-
tee the child’s superior interest.
Subjects: Parental alienation syndrome; Variation of custody; Levels of intensity; Parental relationship;
Alienated minors; Best interest of the child; Peru

Long‑term emotional consequences of parental alienation exposure in children
of divorced parents: A systematic review
By: Paloma Miralles, Carmen Godoy, and María D. Hidalgo (2021). Current Psychology.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02537-2. 15p.
Abstract: Although the emotional consequences of childhood exposure to parental alienation behaviors in children
and adolescents of divorced parents are known, there is scarce evidence on their long-term consequences in adulthood.
Therefore, this work aims to conduct a systematic review of the state of research in this area and its main conclusions
and identify gaps and limitations to guide future research. A search of the literature was performed in electronic data-
bases PsycInfo, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, DART-Europe, ProQuest, Wiley,
TESEO and Dialnet, and a secondary review of the bibliography; in February 2019 updated in December of the same
year. Thirteen pieces of research were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria; twelve published articles
from journals and one doctoral thesis, both with qualitative and quantitative methodology. Children exposed to paren-
tal interference and alienation show in adulthood depression and anxiety symptoms, a higher risk of psychopathology,
lower self-esteem and self-sufficiency. As well as, higher alcohol and drug use rates, parental relationship difficulties,
insecure attachment, lower life quality, higher divorce rates, feelings of loss, abandonment and guilt. They also report
repetition of these alienating behaviors on their children by their partner or their own children’s grandparents. Some
limitations of the study are described, and proposals are made for future research.
Subjects: Parental Alienation; Divorce ; Emotional consequences; Adulthood; Spain 

Contact Information for PASG Officers and PAI Editors
Mailing Address Editors-in-Chief
1313 Twenty-First Avenue South Mandy Matthewson, Ph.D.
209 Oxford House Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Nashville, TN 37232, USA mandy.matthewson@utas.edu.au
Board of Directors Donna-Maria Logue

William Bernet, M.D., President La Dolce Vita Project
Nashville, Tennessee, USA Derry City, Northern Ireland
william.bernet@vumc.org donnamaria.vita@gmail.com
Brian Hart, M.B.A., Secretary Managing Editor

Needham, Massachusetts, USA Amanda Sillars
brianhart123@gmail.com Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
amanda.sillars@emmm.org.au
Phillip Hendrix, M.A., M.B.A., Treasurer
Castle Rock, Colorado, USA Column Editors
info@covenantcounselors.com Targeted Parents’ Column
Editor: TBA
Amy J. L. Baker, Ph.D., Secretary
New York, New York, USA Interventions Column
amyjlbaker@aol.com Editors: Mary Alvarez, Ph.D., &
Chris Turner
J. Michael Bone, Ph.D. Texas, USA
Winter Park, Florida, USA dralvarez@resetting-the-family.com
michael@jmichaelbone.com cturner@resetting-the-family.com
Sietske Dijkstra, Ph.D. Legal Column

Utrecht, The Netherlands Editor: Brian Ludmer
fran.dijkstra@gmail.com Toronto, Canada
Brian@ludmerlaw.com
Jennifer Harman, Ph.D.
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Jennifer.Harman@ColoState.edu Book Review Editor
Abe Worenklein, Ph.D.
Lena Hellblom Sjögren, Ph.D. Montreal, Canada
Siljansnäs, Sweden abew@videotron.ca
mail@testimonia.se
Events Editor
Ashish S. Joshi, L.L.M. Vivian Arber, M.P.S., P.M.P.
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Los Angeles, California, USA
a.joshi@joshiattorneys.com Adr4solutions@gmail.com
Abe Worenklein, Ph.D. PASG Archivist

Montreal, Canada Robert Ferrer
abew@videotron.ca Urbana, Illinois, USA
r-ferrer@illinois.edu

About the Parental Alienation Study Group
Parental Alienation Study Group, Inc. (PASG) is an international, not-for-profit corporation. PASG has over
670 members—mostly mental health and legal professionals—from 55 countries. The members of PASG are
interested in educating the general public, mental health clinicians, fo-rensic practitioners, attorneys, and judges
regarding parental alienation. PASG members are also interested in developing and promoting research on the
causes, prevention, evaluation, and treat-ment of parental alienation.
About Parental Alienation International

Parental Alienation International (PAI) is published bimonthly by PASG. PAI seeks to lead and promote the
scholarly discussion and debate concerning parental alienation practice, research, prevention, education, and
advocacy to promote development of informed practice and policy in this field.
Contributor Guidelines Contributors may submit articles or links to articles

that are already published or considered elsewhere.
How to contribute: Please send all your contribu- It is the responsibility of contributors to obtain the
tions to your local editor or to the editors-in-chief. necessary permission where required to submit their
article to Parental Alienation International and to
Format: Submit manuscript as a Word file (.doc, appropriately acknowledge prior publication.
.docx ) as an email attachment.
PASG retains the final decision of the suitability
Content: News, case studies, pilot studies, of articles and which articles are selected for
literature reviews, announcements, research, publication in Parental Alienation International.
research studies or proposals, advocacy, publicity,
promotion, requests for support or funding. Advertising and Editorial
Editorial Policy: Articles may be subject to editing. PASG will maintain differentiation between
Authors will be consulted and will be sent their advertising content and editorial content. Parental
final article for proofing and approval prior to Alienation International will not publish
publication. “advertorial” material.
The editorial team may solicit information and ar- Copyright © 2022 Parental Alienation Study Group
ticles for publication and will appropriately consult (PASG) Inc. All rights reserved. You are receiving
contributors about the article to be prepared based this newsletter because you are a member of PASG.
upon their contribution.
www.pasg.info


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Parental Alienation International

Advancing worldwide understanding in the field of parental alienation

March 2022 Parental Alienation Study Group Volume 7 • Issue 2

News About PASG

3 Outstanding Work from Around the World

4 Targeted Parent Columnist Needed!

5 PASG 2021 and PASG 2023

6 Sign Our Petition, Please!

7 Introducing Alienated Children First

9 Mother’s Day, UK and Ireland

10 Adult survivors of severe parental alienation (SPA) experienced as children

21 Contact Information for PASG Officers and PAI Editors

22 About the Parental Alienation Study Group

22 About Parental Alienation International

Cover Photo by Tong Su • Unsplash

Parental Alienation Study Group

Outstanding Work from Around the World

Please take care and stay safe! 

Parental Alienation Study Group

Parental Alienation Study Group

Parental Alienation Study Group

Thank you for your support.

Parental Alienation Study Group

Parental Alienation Study Group

Find PASG on Facebook

Visit our Facebook page, become a friend, and write a comment.

Parental Alienation Study Group

Mother’s Day, UK and Ireland

“Not to be left on my own”.

Parental Alienation Study Group

Adult survivors of severe parental alienation (SPA) experienced

Preliminary results from my research

Parental Alienation Study Group

You can earn money for PASG effortlessly.

Parental Alienation Study Group

What do I do when a parent consults with me and says their child is

Parental Alienation Study Group

Parental Alienation Study Group

Compiled by Robert Ferrer, PASG Archivist

“Am I Still a Parent?”: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Parental Alienation,

Parental Alienation Study Group

Resolving issues of diagnosis when working with alienated children

Reliability of the Five-Factor Model for Determining Parental Alienation

Parental Alienation Study Group

Síndrome de alienación parental (Spanish)

Parental Alienation Study Group

2022 Proposals for a Discussion on amendments in the Law and improvements

A Roadmap for the Treatment of Parental Alienation

El síndrome de alienación parental como causal para variar la tenencia

Parental Alienation Study Group

Parental Alienation Study Group

Board of Directors Donna-Maria Logue

Brian Hart, M.B.A., Secretary Managing Editor

Sietske Dijkstra, Ph.D. Legal Column

Abe Worenklein, Ph.D. PASG Archivist

Parental Alienation Study Group

About Parental Alienation International

Contributor Guidelines Contributors may submit articles or links to articles

Parental Alienation Study Group

You might also like

3 Outstanding Work from Around the World

4 Targeted Parent Columnist Needed!

5 PASG 2021 and PASG 2023

6 Sign Our Petition, Please!

7 Introducing Alienated Children First

9 Mother’s Day, UK and Ireland

10 Adult survivors of severe parental alienation (SPA) experienced as children