vieraannuttamisesta

Vieraannuttamisesta, also known as parental alienation, refers to a phenomenon where a child rejects one parent, often due to the influence of the other parent. This rejection is not based on the child's own experiences with the rejected parent, but rather on psychological manipulation by the favored parent. It can occur during or after family separation and is a complex issue with significant emotional and psychological consequences for all involved.

The behaviors exhibited by the alienating parent can range from subtle criticisms and denigration of the other parent to outright fabrication of negative events. The child may internalize these negative messages, leading to an unjustified fear, hatred, or avoidance of the alienated parent. This can manifest in the child's unwillingness to communicate, visit, or even speak about the alienated parent.

Vieraannuttaminen is distinct from situations where a child has genuine reasons to be estranged from a parent due to abuse or neglect. The key differentiator is the presence of undue influence and manipulation. Recognizing and addressing vieraannuttaminen is crucial, as it can cause long-term psychological harm to the child, including depression, anxiety, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. It also profoundly impacts the relationship between the child and the alienated parent, and can lead to strained relationships within the wider family. Legal and psychological interventions are often sought to address and mitigate the effects of vieraannuttaminen.