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The American family is changing, and divorce is no small part of the pattern. In the United States, there are nearly a million and a half divorces and annulments annually. It is estimated that 40% to 50% of adults will eventually divorce (Bee, 1992). Including the indirect effects on family and friends, the impact of divorce has ripple effects not only for those directly involved, but also for society and clinical nursing.
Many children involved in divorce and custody litigation undergo thought reform or mild brainwashing by their parents. This disturbing fact is a product of the nature of divorce and the disintegration of the spousal relationship in our culture. Inevitably, children receive subtly transmitted messages that both parents have serious criticisms of each other.
Parental alienation syndrome, however, is much more serious. It involves the systematic vilification by one parent of the other parent and brainwashing of the child, with the intent of alienating the child from the other parent (Gardner, 1982). This article explores parental alienation syndrome from the perspective of parental adult developmental needs. The effect of divorce on the family system and implications for nursing also are examined. Using pseudonyms, two case studies exemplify the lived experience of parental alienation syndrome.
Case Studies
Billy
Mrs. M., 30, and her 4-year-old child, Billy, were seen in the community health care clinic for routine physical examinations. During the course of the examination, the nurse noted that Mrs. M. was constantly reprimanding Billy, disallowing him to explore the office. A derogatory statement was made by Mrs. M. that Billy is going to be "just like his father." The nurse inquired as to Mr. M.'s well-being. Mrs. M. related details of the recent divorce and custody litigation, and added that she would do all she could to ensure that Mr. M. never gained custody of Billy. The nurse asked Billy about his relationship with his father. Billy, in adult language, stated, "Daddy is an alcoholic and a womanizer and doesn't deserve to have children. I hate him, and I never want to see him again."
Sheila
On a Sunday night, Sheila, an 18month-old female infant, was brought to the emergency room by her distraught mother, Mrs. L., who stated that Sheila had been sexually abused...