Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)

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Before one begins to ridicule and take a dogmatic position to violently oppose the scientific validity and reality of Parental Alienation Syndrome or PAS, a disorder discovered in the 1980's and coined by the internationally recognized Child Psychiatrist, Richard A. Gardner, M.D. (1931-2003), let us consider the words of one of greatest philosophers of the 19th century, Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860), who stated, "All truth passes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Second it is violently opposed. Third it is accepted as self-evident."

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) in a Nutshell
What is the Parental Alienation Syndrome or PAS?

In 1985, Dr. Richard A. Gardner coined the term Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS). A term that he used to describe a disorder that arises primarily in the context of child custody disputes, and it's primary manifestation is the child's campaign of denigration against a parent, and is a campaign that has no justification.

According to Dr. Gardner, Parental Alienation Syndrome is a disorder made up of a combination of two contributing factors, (1) programming ("brainwashing") of the child by one parent to denigrate the other parent, and (2) self-created contributions by the child in support of the alienating parent's campaign of denigration against the alienated parent.

However, according to Dr. Richard Gardner, the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) disorder is not applicable nor a valid explanation in cases where true child abuse and/or neglect is present because the child's animosity and/or hostility towards the target parent may be justified.

Parental Alienation (PA) in a Nutshell
What is Parental Alienation or PA?

According to Dr. Gardner, Parental Alienation (PA) is a more general term, whereas the Parental Alienation Syndrome is a very specific subtype of Parental Alienation. Parental Alienation has many causes, e.g., parental neglect, abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual), abandonment, and other alienating parental behaviors. All of these behaviors on the part of a parent can produce Alienation in the children.

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) vs. Parental Alienation (PA)
The Parental Alienation Syndrome is a specific subcategory of Parental Alienation that results from a combination of (1) parental programming ("brainwashing") and (2) the child's own contributions, and it is almost exclusively seen in the context of child-custody disputes.

As Dr. Douglass Darnall points out, Parental Alienation focuses on the parents behavior, whereas the Parental Alienation Syndrome focuses on the child's behavior and the child's unjustifiable campaign of denigration towards target parent.

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A Closer Look into the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) and Parental Alienation (PA)
For an excellent overview and introduction into the dynamics of the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) and Parental Alienation (PA), please visit the following resources.

1. Major, J. A. (2002), ( .html )
   A Summary of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS). This very informative and helpful article is believed to be the most widely read PAS article on the web.
2. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Definition of The Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS).
3. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   The Parental Alienation Syndrome and "Parental Alienation".
4. Parental Alienation Awareness (.html )
   Parental Alienation Awareness

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Parental Alienation Syndrome: Media Attention
PBS Breaking the Silence: Children's Stories - A PBS documenatary that reveals the power of the media to misguide the nation with half stories about PAS. How to contact and write PBS and Connecticut Public Broadcasting to express your disappointment and concerns with this film that unfairly presents only one side of the issue.

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) and Parental Alienation Articles
First, see Parental Alienation Syndrome Articles below, to learn more about Parental Alienation Syndrome or PAS and Parental Alienation. Review as many Parental Alienation Syndrome articles listed below as possible. Most of the Parental Alienation Syndrome articles listed below have been published or accepted for publication in peer-review journals, published books, and/or written by those in the "Scientific Community" who are most knowledgeable on Parental Alienation Syndrome or PAS and Parental Alienation.

The General Acceptance of Parental Alienation in the "Scientific Community"
Second, see Parental Alienation Syndrome in the "Scientific Community" below. Review the Parental Alienation Syndrome articles listed, which are related to the general acceptance of PAS in the "scientific community" and court rulings, specifically, those which have recognized the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) in the United States and Internationally.

This is important because, as with almost every other newly discovered subject matter, there are those who oppose or question the existence and/or scientific validity of the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS). If you are presenting a PAS case before the family court, you may find your opposition using these same arguments, such as, "PAS does not exist because it is not included in the DSM-IV (the standard Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for Professional Psychology)". These arguments are discussed in several articles and also addressed by Richard A. Gardner, M.D.

The Future of PAS and What You can do to Help
Third, see The Future of the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) below and learn how you can help the future of the Parental Alienation Syndrome or PAS by showing your support of Parental Alienation Syndrome being included in the DSM-IV (the standard Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for Professional Psychology).

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Richard A. Gardner, M.D. (1931-2003)
Dr. Richard A. Gardner is Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Academy of Psychoanalysis. He has published more than 40 books and more than 250 articles in a variety of areas of child psychiatry. Dr. Gardner is probably known most for his contributions in regards to Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS), which is a disorder he discovered and coined in the 1980's.

1. Gardner, R. A. (1985), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Recent Trends in Divorce and Custody Litigation. Academy Forum, Volume 29, Number 2, Summer, 1985, p. 3-7.New York: The American Academy of Psychoanalysis.
2. Gardner, R. A. (1987),
   Child Custody. In Basic Handbook of Child Psychiatry, ed. J.Noshpitz, Vol. V, pp. 637- 646. New York: Basic Books, Inc.
3. Gardner, R. A. (1987), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Judges Interviewing Children in Custody/Visitation Litigation. New Jersey Family Lawyer, Volume VII, Number 2, August/September 1987, p 26ff.
4. Gardner, R.A. (1990), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Custody Disputes Fueling "Parental Alienation Syndrome". Family Practice News, Volume 20, Number 24, December 15-31, 1990, p 7.
5. Gardner, R. A. (1991), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Legal and Psychotherapeutic Approaches to the three types of Parental Alienation Syndrome Families: When Psychiatry and the Law Join Forces. Court Review, Volume 28, Number 1, Sprint 1991, p 14-21.
6. Gardner, R. A. (1994), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   The Detrimental Effects on Women of the Misguided Gender Egalitarianism of Child-Custody Dispute Resolution Guidelines. Academy Forum, Volume 38, Number 1,2 p 10-13 (Spring/Summer 1994). New York: The Publication of The American Academy of Psychoanalysis.
7. Gardner, R. A. (1997),
   Recommendations for Dealing with Parents Who Induce a Parental Alienation Syndrome in Their Children. Issues in Child Abuse Accusations, 8(3):174-178.
8. Gardner, R. A. (1998), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Recommendations for Dealing with Parents Who Induce a Parental Alienation Syndrome in Their Children. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 28 (3/4):1-23.
9. Gardner, R. A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Differentiating Between The Parental Alienation Syndrome and Bona Fide Abuse and/or Neglect. American Journal of Family Therapy, 27(2):97-107.
10. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    Family Therapy of the Moderate Type of Parental Alienation Syndrome. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 27(3):195-212.
11. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    Guidelines for Assessing Parental Preference in Child-Custody Disputes. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 30(1/2):1-9.
12. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    The Parental Alienation Syndrome ...a frequently missed diagnosis .
13. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    Definition of The Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS).
14. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    The Parental Alienation Syndrome is NOT the Same as Programming ("Brainwashing").
15. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    The Relationship Between The Parental Alienation Syndrome and Bona Fide Abuse and/or Neglect.
16. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    The Parental Alienation Syndrome as a Form of Child Abuse.
17. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    "The Parental Alienation Syndrome does not exist Because it is Not in DSM-IV".
18. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    "The Parental Alienation Syndrome is not a Syndrome".
19. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    "People Who Diagnose Parental Alienation Syndrome are Sexist".
20. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    "The Parental Alienation Syndrome and Sex-Abuse Accusations".
21. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    "The Parental Alienation Syndrome and Sex-Abuse Accusations".
22. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    The Parental Alienation Syndrome and "Parental Alienation".
23. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    Differential Diagnosis of the Three Types of Parental Alienation Syndrome.
24. Gardner, R.A. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    Differential Treatment of the Three Types of Parental Alienation Syndrome.
25. Gardner, R.A. (2001), ( .html )
    The Parental Alienation Syndrome: Sixteen Years Later . Academy Forum, 2001, 45(1):10-12. New York: A Publication of The American Academy of Psychoanalysis
26. Gardner, R.A. (2001), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    Should Courts Order PAS Children to Visit/Reside with the Alienated Parent? A Follow-up Study. American Journal of Forensic Psychology. 19(3):61-106. Abstract and Article Excerpts ( .html ).
27. Gardner, R.A. (2001), ( .html )
    Comments on Carol S. Bruch's Article "Parental Alienation Syndrome and Parental Alienation: Getting it Wrong in Child Custody Cases". Family Law Quarterly, 35(3):527-552, 2001
28. Gardner, R.A. (2002) , ( .html )
    The Role of the Judiciary in the Entrenchment of the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS).
29. Gardner, R.A. (2002), ( .html )
    Response to Kelly/Johnston Article. Speak Out for Children (a publication of the Children's Rights Council), 17(2):6-10, 2002.
30. Gardner, R.A. (2002), ( .html )
    Sollten Gerichte anordnen, daß an PAS leindende Kinder den antfremdeten Elternteil besuchen bzw. bei ihm wohnen? In: Das elterliche Entfremdungssyndrom. Anregungen für gerichtliche Sorge- und Umgangsregelungen. Berlin: Verlag für Wissenschaft und Bildung, pp.23-95.
31. Gardner, R.A. (2002), ( .html )
    The Empowerment of Children in the Development of Parental Alienation Syndrome. The American Journal of Forensic Psychology, 20(2):5-29, 2002.
32. Gardner, R.A. (2002) , ( .html )
    Parental Alienation Syndrome vs. Parental Alienation: Which Diagnosis Should Evaluators Use in Child-Custody Disputes?. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 30(2):93-115, (2002).
33. Gardner, R.A. (2002), ( .html )
    Denial of the Parental Alienation Syndrome Also Harms Women. American Journal of Family Therapy, 30(3):191-202 (2002).
34. Gardner, R.A. (2002), ( .html )
    Does DSM-IV Have Equivalents for the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) Diagnosis? American Journal of Family Therapy, 31(1):1-21.
35. Gardner, R.A. (2003), ( .html )
    The Judiciary's Role in the Etiology, Symptom Development, and Treatment of The Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS). American Journal of Forensic Psychology, 21(1):39-64.
36. Gardner, R.A. (2003, in press), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
    The Three Levels of Parental Alienation Syndrome Alienators.
37. Gardner, R.A. (2003),
    The Parental Alienation Syndrome: Past, Present, and Future. In The Parental Alienation Syndrome: An Interdisciplinary Challenge for Professionals Involved in Divorce., eds. W. von Boch-Gallhau, U. Kodjoe, W Andritsky, and P. Koeppel, pp. 89-125. Berlin, Germany: VWB-Verlag für Wissenshaft and Bildung.
38. Gardner, R.A. (2003),
    How Denying and Discrediting the Parental Alienation Syndrome Harms Women., eds. W. von Boch-Gallhau, U. Kodjoe, W Andritsky, and P. Koeppel, pp. 121-142. Berlin, Germany: VWB-Verlag für Wissenshaft and Bildung.
39. Gardner R.A. (2003, in press),
    The Relationship Between the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) and the False Memory Syndrome (FMS).
40. Gardner. R.A. (2004, in press),
    The Parental Alienation Syndrome and the Corruptive Power of Anger.

Dr. Richard Gardner has put together a list of approximately 177 articles, many of which appear on this website, related to the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS), which have been published or accepted for publication in peer-review journals and published books. To view the list of articles, click here.

Dr. Richard Gardner has also put together a list of various resources related to Parental Alienation Syndrome, many of which appear within this website. To view the list of resources, click here.

To Learn more about Dr. Richard Gardner, visit the Creative Therapeutics website.
To view the Creative Therapeutics website, click here.

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Douglass Darnall, Ph.D.
Dr. Douglas Darnall is a practicing licensed psychologist and the CEO of PsyCare, Inc., an outpatient psychiatric clinic in Youngstown, Ohio. He is the author of DIVORCE CASUALTIES: PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN FROM PARENTAL ALIENATION (Taylor Publishing Company, 1998).

1. Darnall, D. (1999), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Parental Alienation: Not in the Best Interest of the Children. North Dakota Law Review, Volume 75, 1999, p 323-364.

To Learn more about Dr. Douglass Darnall, visit the PsyCare website.
To view the PsyCare website, click here.

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Amy J. L. Baker, Ph.D.
Dr. Amy J. L. Baker has a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has over 15 years experience conducting research in parent-child relationships and children's well-being. She is the author of Adult Children of Parental Alienation Syndrome: Breaking the Ties that Bind. She has authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications.

1. Amy J. L. Baker, Ph.D.
   Adult Children of Parental Alienation Syndrome:
   Breaking the Ties that Bind (Norton Professional Book)

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Jayne A. Major, Ph.D.
Dr. Jayne A. Major is internationally known and recognized as an expert on family and parenting education, as a dynamic and inspiring speaker, and author and consultant on optimal family relationships. Dr. Major has trained more than 15,000 parents over the last 19 years in psychologically sound techniques that promote happy, cooperative, and self-disciplined children.

1. Major, J. A. (1999, in press), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Parents Who Have Successfully Fought Parental Alienation Syndrome. Aspen Family Law Journal.
2. Major, J. A. (2002, full version), ( .html )
   Parents Who Have Successfully Fought Parental Alienation Syndrome. This very informative and helpful article is believed to be the most widely read PAS article on the web.
3. Major, J. A. (2002), ( .html )
   Divorce Fallout / Parental Alienation Syndrome. What it is. How it happens and what you can do about it..
4. Major, J. A. (2002), ( .html )
   How Parents can deal with Parental Alienation Syndrome. Materials that have helped many parents going through Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)..

To Learn more about Dr. Jayne A. Major and her services, visit the Breakthrough Parenting website.
To view the Breakthrough Parenting website, click here.

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Ira Daniel Turkat, Ph.D.
Dr. Ira Daniel Turkat, is the chief psychologist at Venice Hospital in Florida, and is on the clinical faculty of the University of Florida College of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Venice, Florida.

1. Turkat, I. D. (1993), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Questioning the Mental Health Expert's Custody Report. American Journal of Family Law, Volume 7, 175-179.
2. Turkat, I. D. (1994), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Child Visitation Interference in Divorce. Clinical Psychology Review, 14(8):737-742.
3. Turkat, I. D. (1995), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Divorce Related Malicious Mother Syndrome. Journal of Family Violence, 10(3):253-264.
4. Turkat, I. D. (1996), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Relocation as a Strategy to Interfere with the Child-Parent Relationship. American Journal of Family Law, (11): 39-41.
5. Turkat, I. D. (1997), ( .html ) ( .pdf )
   Management of Visitation Interference. The Judges Journal, 36:2:17-47.

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General Acceptance of PAS in the Scientific Community
In 1985, Richard Gardner first described and defined what the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is, in an article, Recent Trends in Divorce and Custody Litigation. Since then, PAS has continued to gain Acceptance in the "Scientific Community".

In the United States, many states have adopted The Frye Test as the standard by which a court can determine whether a scientific contribution has gained enough general acceptance in the Scientific Community to be admissible in a court of law.

Other States have adopted ether The Daubert Test as their standard, or have substituted their own standards and thus, have their own "test".

In Canada, The Mohan Test is applied to assess admissibility. It is more stringent than The Frye Test in that it employs more criteria than Frye.

Some cases where the Court Rulings that the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) has gained general acceptance in the Scientific Community and thereby satisfies The Frye Test criteria or The Mohan Rulings criteria for admissibility are listed below.

1. Gardner, R. A. (2003), ( .html )
   Court Rulings Specifically Recognizing the Parental Alienation Syndrome in the US and Internationally.
2. Kilgore v. Boyd (Jan. 30, 2001), ( .html )
   Kilgore v. Boyd (Excerpt taken from transcript of Frye Test hearing), Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida, Hillsborough County, Family Law Division. Case no. 94-7573, Div. D), Jan 30, 2001. The Court Rules that the PAS satisfies The Frye Test criteria for admissibility.
   
   
3. Bates v. Bates (Jan. 17, 2002), ( .html )
   Bates v. Bates (Excerpt taken from transcript of Frye Test hearing), 18th Judicial Circuit, Dupage County, IL Case No. 99D958, Jan. 17, 2002. The Court Rules that the PAS satisfies The Frye Test criteria for admissibility.
4. Her Majesty the Queen vs. K.C. Superior Court of Justice (Aug. 9, 2002),
   Ontario, County of Durham, Central-East Region, Court File No. 9520/01. Aug 9, 2002. The Court Rules that the PAS satisfies The Mohan Test criteria for admissibility.

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How You can Help Support the Inclusion of PAS in DSM-V
As Richard A. Gardner, stated, "Parental Alienation Syndrome is not listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Critics of PAS are quick to point this out and consider its absence to support arguments that PAS doesn't exist.

The facts are that DSM-IV was published in 1994. When committees were meeting in the early 1990s, there were too few articles in peer-review journals, and too few legal rulings in courts of law that had recognized PAS, to warrant a submission.

Accordingly, I (Richard A. Gardner, M.D.) did not submit a proposal at that time. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, did anyone else do so. DSM-V committees are scheduled to start meeting in 2003-2007 and the projected date of publication of DSM-V is 2010."

1. Gardner, R. A. (2002), ( .html )
   A Letter from Richard A. Gardner re: How You can Help Support the Inclusion of PAS in DSM-V.
2. Fathers Are Capable Too: Parenting Association, ( .html )
   Support the Inclusion of PAS in DSM-V.

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Steven Carlson, The Custody Coach® Child Custody Coach Orange County, California E-mail: Website: http://www.childcustodycoach.com/ Weblog: http://www.childcustodycoach.com/blog/ Services: http://www.childcustodycoach.com/services/ Author: How to Win Child Custody - Proven Strategies the can Win You Custody and Save You Thousands in Attorney Costs!
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