Avoiding Assumptions

In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a prevailing belief among some professionals that when a child resisted contact with a rejected parent in cases of divorce or separation, it was assumed that the rejected parent must have done something to cause the child’s behavior. This belief was influenced by theories such as parental alienation syndrome (PAS), which suggested that one parent could systematically manipulate a child’s feelings and behavior to turn them against the other parent.

PAS was proposed by psychiatrist Richard A. Gardner in the 1980s and gained some recognition in legal and psychological circles. According to this theory, the rejected parent was often seen as the victim of the other parent’s efforts to alienate the child.

However, it’s important to note that the concept of PAS and its related assumptions have been highly controversial and subject to debate within the field of psychology. Many experts argue that PAS lacks scientific evidence and can potentially lead to the misdiagnosis or mishandling of cases involving child custody disputes.

Since then, research and understanding in the field of child psychology have evolved. Professionals now recognize that a child’s resistance to contact with a parent is a complex issue that can stem from various factors, including the quality of the parent-child relationship, the child’s individual experiences and preferences, and the overall dynamics of the family situation.

The field has moved away from assuming that the rejected parent must be at fault and instead focuses on assessing the child’s needs, preferences, and best interests through a comprehensive evaluation process. Mental health professionals now strive to consider a broader range of factors and avoid making assumptions based solely on the child’s resistance to contact.