Long-term emotional consequences of parental alienation exposure in children of divorced parents: A systematic review

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 databases 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 parental 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.

The Father’s Responsibility for the Fulfillment of Child Support Post-Divorce

“…In this context, children have the right to education, affection, and protection from both parents. However, divorce can affect the fulfillment of these rights, where a child might lose the opportunity to receive love and guidance from one parent (Miralles et al, 2023). Additionally, children can also be adversely affected by conflicts between parents.…”

Medical–Legal and Psychosocial Considerations on Parental Alienation as a Form of Child Abuse: A Brief Review

“…Parental alienation has repercussions on the child, as it annihilates their capacity to offer and receive affection from one of their parents. The child can develop: low self-esteem, lack of trust in oneself and others, depression, substance abuse, addiction, anxiety, self-sufficiency, uncertain attachment, feelings of loss, feelings of abandonment, feelings of guilt, and incapacity to respect authority, which are related to psychiatrical afflictions [ 9 ]. Also, negative effects were observed in the case of the alienated parent, including suicide attempts [ 10 ].…”

Parental Divorce Process and Post-Divorce Parental Behaviors and Strategies: Examining Emerging Adult Children’s Attachment-Related Anxiety and Avoidance

“…This puts pressure on the child to take sides in the conflict through the attempt of one parent to form alliances with the child against the other parent [ 40 ]. This phenomenon has been conceptualized in different ways, such as parental interference, in which parents utilize behaviors, strategies, or actions to hinder and damage the relationship of the child with the other parent [ 41 ]. In an extreme parental interference situation, the child might lose contact with and reject the other parent [ 42 ].…”

“…Prior studies demonstrate that children who are exposed to such negative parental attitudes during the divorce process and the post-divorce period show anger, guilt, hostility, impulse control problems, low self-confidence and self-esteem, anxiety, depression, difficulties in personal and social relationships, and diminished academic performance (for a review, see [ 41 ]). Although there is less evidence regarding the long-term implications of this phenomenon in adult children, a few studies conducted in this developmental period have found negative emotional, psychological, and affective consequences.…”

“…Although there is less evidence regarding the long-term implications of this phenomenon in adult children, a few studies conducted in this developmental period have found negative emotional, psychological, and affective consequences. These include high anxiety and depression; low self-esteem, self-sufficiency, life satisfaction, and quality; along with negative parent–child relationships and insecure attachment in intimate relationships (for a review, see [ 41 ]).…”