Parental Alienating Behaviours Experienced by Alienated Grandparents

This study explored parental alienating behaviours experienced by grandparents with limited or no contact with their grandchildren. Twelve alienated grandparents participated in semi-structured interviews investigating their experience of alienation. The data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Alienated grandparents reported being exposed to 13 parental alienating behaviours used by the alienating parent. These behaviours are consistent with those reported by targeted parents and adult alienated children in other studies. This study showed that parental alienating behaviours also affects grandparent-child relationships. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of parental alienation on grandparents and the wider family system.