Signs of parental alienation include: badmouthing the other parent, limiting contact with the alienated parent, interfering with communication, forcing the child to choose sides, creating a perception of danger from the alienated parent, asking the child to keep secrets, referring to the alienated parent by their first name, withholding important information, changing the child’s name to distance them from the alienated parent, cultivating dependency in the child, and the child exhibiting a lack of ambivalence or guilt towards the alienated parent, often claiming their negative feelings are their own choice (“independent thinker phenomenon”) while supporting the alienating parent excessively.
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Negative campaign:
The alienating parent actively criticizes and belittles the other parent to the child, often using false or exaggerated claims.
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Control of contact:
The alienating parent limits or prevents the child from spending time with the other parent, making excuses or creating obstacles.
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Child’s hostility:
The child shows hostility or indifference towards the alienated parent, often mirroring the negative comments made by the alienating parent.
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“Independent thinker” phenomenon:
The child insists their negative feelings towards the alienated parent are their own decision, even when presented with evidence to the contrary.
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Lack of guilt or remorse:
The child shows no remorse or guilt for their behavior towards the alienated parent.
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Secrets and loyalty:
The child is asked to keep secrets from the alienated parent and is pressured to be loyal only to the alienating parent.
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Borrowed phrases and scenarios:
The child repeats phrases or stories used by the alienating parent to denigrate the other parent.