PARENTAL ALIENATION AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Parental alienation and its negative emotional impacts on child and adolescent development is a delicate and complex issue. It involves a negative process in which one parent or guardian uses their influence to distort facts and manipulate the child or adolescent into rejecting or distancing themselves from the other parent. These negative actions result in profound and lasting emotional impacts that, in most cases, affect the psychological development of children and adolescents, resulting in failed interpersonal relationships, and in the worst cases, leading to severe depression. As provided for in Law 12.318/2010, parental alienation has significant negative impacts on the emotional well-being of children and adolescents. To prevent such negative outcomes, it is crucial to raise awareness among parents or guardians, as well as direct intervention by the government (judiciary, social services, psychologists, and other professionals) to ensure they are fully aware of the negative impacts parental alienation has on the development of children and adolescents. It is crucial to discuss this issue so that parents or guardians are objectively aware of the potentially harmful effects and the essential importance of interventions aimed at protecting the well-being of children and adolescents, prioritizing their best interests. Objectively, parental alienation, with the negative consequences of manipulation by a parent or guardian, is detrimental to the child's identity formation. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The main causes of parental alienation are: a lack of communication between parents, a possible failed marriage, and a contentious divorce, leading to discord, jealousy, revenge, resentment, or mere retaliation for dissatisfaction with child support payments, where they prioritize their differences over the best interests of the child or adolescent.