Parental Alienation Syndrome

Parental Alienation Syndrome - What The Legal Profession Should Know

L.F. Lowenstein
Medico-Legal Journal (1999) Vol.66 Part 4, 151-161

Introduction
I have been involved in and out of the legal system with the process of PAS, and propose to answer the questions outlined, in the most simple terms. I will try to explain to those faced with PAS in cases of marital disharmony, marriage guidance, divorce proceedings, the legal system and evaluation of children and adults involved and suggest how to reverse some of the tragic consequences before they reach a court of law or during the proceedings in a court of law.

Although I will be responding to the questions posed briefly and succinctly, I will try not to over simplify this complex subject. However, there are wider and more comprehensive texts available which consider the complex phenomena of PAS (see Bibliography).

1. What is the Parent Alienation Syndrome (PAS)?
PAS is not a new phenomenon. It has been practised for as long as marital or relationship conflicts have occurred. It is the conscious action, although sometimes deemed unconscious by some psychologists and psychiatrists, of one parent turning against another to oust the other parent from the affection, love, respect or regard by children which both parents bore. It is most effectively used against younger, passive children and is rather less effective with older and more assertive children.

It is unlikely to occur in a stable harmonious relationship between parents. The couple who are at ease, even happy, with one another will tend to engender love for their children. They will encourage children to regard the other parent favourably They will work together to bring up their children appropriately with socialised standards of behaviour. Such children have the advantage of knowing they come from a secure base, of being loved by both parents and in turn, feeling the same way towards them. In some cases even where marital disharmony occurs PAS does not occur and parents continue to foster good relations with their children and with the other partner and their children. . . .