When parental alienation occurs, the targeted parent suffers. But they are not the only victim — in many cases, extended family members, such as once-beloved grandparents, can be victimized as well. However, the greatest impact falls upon the children who are used as pawns by the alienating parent.
In a 2005 study in the American Journal of Family Therapy titled “The Long Term Effects of Parental Alienation on Adult Children,” the study author identified six major areas of impact on children who were used by alienating parents.
Children who are used by alienating parents tend to experience intense guilt and shame for many years after the fact.
Around 70% of children who suffer parental alienation reported experiencing depression later in life.
Approximately of the study participants reported having problems with alcohol and/or drugs.
Children who experienced parental alienation were less likely to trust other people and themselves, leading to mental suffering and trouble forming relationships.
Half of the children surveyed in Baker’s study reported that they later became alienated from their own kids—a vicious intergenerational cycle.
Roughly of the children who were used by an alienating parent grew up to have at least one divorce. A fourth of participants had multiple divorces.
