Q & A – What is the relationship between Stockholm Syndrome and PA?

Stockholm Syndrome refers to a psychological condition in which a person who has been taken hostage or otherwise abused develops positive feelings towards their captor or abuser. In the context of parental alienation, some researchers and clinicians have suggested that the behavior of the child who has been alienated from one parent may be similar to that of someone experiencing Stockholm Syndrome.

The child may develop a strong bond with the alienating parent and reject the targeted parent, even though there is no objective evidence to support negative views of the targeted parent. This may be due to a variety of factors, including the child’s need to align with the more powerful or favored parent, fear of abandonment or retribution, or a sense of loyalty to the alienating parent.

It’s important to note that the use of the term Stockholm Syndrome in the context of parental alienation can be controversial, and some experts caution against making such comparisons. This is because the situation of a hostage is very different from that of a child involved in parental alienation, and the dynamics may be more complex and varied in the latter case.

Regardless of whether or not the term Stockholm Syndrome is used, 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