Perspecticide refers to a form of psychological abuse in which an individual’s sense of reality is manipulated or undermined, often by a person in a position of power or authority. In the context of parental alienation, perspecticide can be used by one parent to manipulate a child’s perception of the other parent, in order to turn the child against that parent. This can involve tactics such as:
- Withholding information: The parent who is engaging in parental alienation may withhold information about the other parent or present information in a biased or negative way.
- Controlling access: The parent who is engaging in parental alienation may prevent the child from spending time with the other parent, or limit the child’s contact with that parent.
- Gaslighting: The parent who is engaging in parental alienation may use gaslighting tactics to manipulate the child’s sense of reality, such as denying the other parent’s statements or experiences.
- Distorting reality: The parent who is engaging in parental alienation may distort the child’s perception of reality by presenting false information, making unfounded accusations, or exaggerating minor incidents.
The use of perspecticide in parental alienation can have serious negative consequences for the child, the targeted parent, and the family as a whole. It’s important for mental health professionals to be aware of the signs of parental alienation and to work with families to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to this dynamic.
© Linda C J Turner
Your Journey to Healing Starts Here 