Examining Parental Alienation Syndrome Behaviors in Divorce, Custody and Personal Relationship Cases

Abstract

In this study, the objective was to conduct an analysis of behaviors associated with Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) within the context of divorce, custody disputes, and personal relationship with children. The present inquiry employed the document/text analysis method, one of the qualitative research methodologies. The reports prepared by psychologists, social workers, and pedagogues (psychological counsellors), including the researcher, in the cases held by Ankara 10th Family Court were included in the study. 27 selected files were descriptively analyzed with respect to PAS behaviors and alienation strategies. Answers were sought to the questions about PAS behaviors toward mother, father and relatives, and what PAS behaviors are in court processes and relations with the child. Results showed that parental alienation behaviors toward parents and relatives are common in divorce, custody, and personal relationship with the child cases. It was found that divorce, custody, and personal relationship with the child cases negatively affect the relationship between the mother, the father, and the child. The research findings, PAS behaviors put all the parties in a difficult situation in the legal process. Therefore, providing psychosocial services to the families, raising the awareness of court experts about PAS, and conducting more research on this issue are important.