EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS ON THE PHENOMENON OF PARENTAL ALIENATION IN THE COURSE OF A DIVORCE PROCESS- QUALITATIVE STUDY

<doi>10.24250/JPE/2/2020/AS/MV/RT/OIT

Authors

  • Alina SIRBU West University of Timisoara
  • Mona VINTILA West University of Timisoara
  • Roxana TOMA West University of Timisoara
  • Otilia Ioana TUDOREL West University of Timisoara

Keywords:

parental alienation; qualitative study; alienating parent; parental role

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to offer educational information on
this new, but very hot topic, which is frequently present in our
everyday life, affecting parents and children involved in the
process of divorce. Little is known about this phenomenon. This
qualitative study follows the experience of parenthood for a
research group of 20 subjects (ten mothers and ten fathers) who
were unable to have normal relationships with their children due
to the phenomenon of parental alienation. Data was collected
using the narrative method and semi-structured interviews.
Processing brought to light four main themes that dominate the
lives of these parents whose children refuse all contact with them:
the experience of having failed as a parent, a loss of relationship
with the child as a result of the harsh intervention of the alienating
parent, interference by the mother-in-law to undermine their
parental role, and a feeling of hopelessness and powerlessness
arising from the perception that there are major deficiencies in the
judicial, social protection and mental health systems in Romania.

Author Biographies

Alina SIRBU, West University of Timisoara

Department of Psychology

Mona VINTILA, West University of Timisoara

Department of Psychology

Roxana TOMA, West University of Timisoara

Department of Psychology

Otilia Ioana TUDOREL, West University of Timisoara

Department of Psychology

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Published

2020-10-30