Abstract

Studies on divorce have been well researched, the problem is that the Parental Alienation Syndrome often and perhaps usually accompanies divorce; therefore, the much-discussed negative consequences of divorce on children may well be in fact the consequences of PAS. PAS is identified when a parent (usually the custodial parent) behaves in such a way to alienate his/her child against the other parent (usually the non-custodial parent). These behaviours include brainwashing, manipulation, and control. With successful programming, the child will inevitably be alienated from the other parent. The purpose of this qualitative study is to gain a better understanding of PAS, to explain the mechanisms, and discuss consequences that occur in childhood and adulthood. Narrative stories were collected to illustrate PAS and the consequences. The sample is comprised of eleven participants; four men, and seven women who were self-identified as victims of PAS. The data were collected by semi-structured, open-ended interviews which were conducted face to face or via the telephone. The findings indicate that the greater the severity of PAS, the more serious the external and internal problems of the individual, and that damage to the child can last for decades. Those affected seemed likely to perpetuate the problem onto their own children. An additional serendipitous discovery was the paradox of the participant's recognition of alienation but also the denial of some, and inability to reconcile. The thesis concludes with several recommendations.