| A survey was conducted to examine the views of legal and mental health professionals regarding parental alienation (PA) in child custody cases. Findings from 119 respondents revealed much awareness about the PA concept. Results indicate that years of experience and type of experience do not influence how legal and mental health professionals view Parental Alienation. Respondents viewed PA as an important issue to assess. Results indicate that respondents believe that family law professionals are "somewhat" collaborating on PA cases. Although results varied overall, respondents viewed custody reversal warranted in cases of severe PA. In general, respondents did not view PA as meeting admissibility standards (Frye Standard). Respondents viewed the concept of PA to be admissible as evidence in terms of the construct, but not as to whether or not the child "suffers" from PA. Further, respondents did not vary according to professional role (legal or mental health professionals) on the various PA factors. Results are compared to past literature in the field, with hopes of clarifying misconceptions. Limitations and future directions of research are discussed. |
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