14/01/2026
"Parent-Child Trauma Coerced Attachment and Alienation describes how persistent relational pressure and manipulation by a parent can distort a child’s experience of other important caregivers and family members. The behaviours listed in the attached resource are patterns of denigration, interference, information control and emotional manipulation that undermine a child’s capacity to maintain safe, loving relationships. These tactics often extend beyond the targeted parent to grandparents, siblings and other significant family members, shaping the child’s beliefs and actions in ways that erode connection."
"In this context, a child’s rejection of a parent or family member is not a simple preference or independent choice, but what we describe as survival-based rejection. It is an adaptive response to prolonged pressure where the child learns that emotional safety, approval and belonging depend on alignment with one caregiver’s view. Over time this creates internal conflict, narrows the child’s relational world and can result in long-term harm to emotional wellbeing, identity and trust."
- Eeny Meeny Miney Mo Foundation
Reference: Haines, J., Matthewson, M., & Turnbull, M. (2020). Understanding and Managing Parental Alienation: A Guide to Assessment and Intervention. Routledge. pp 335-339.
