What is Malicious Parent Syndrome?
Malicious Parent Syndrome (MPS) is a psychological disorder in which a parent deliberately manipulates a child in an effort to turn the child against the other parent. It is a form of psychological abuse, and it is thought to happen in around 10-15% of families who are going through a divorce or separation. It is also known as Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) or Alienating Parent Syndrome (APS).
MPS is a controversial mental health disorder that was first described by clinical psychologist Dr. Richard A. Gardner in 1985. He proposed that this type of abuse was a form of psychological manipulation that could have serious emotional and psychological effects on the child. Since then, the concept has been widely debated, and there is still no consensus on whether it is a real disorder or not.
Signs and Symptoms of Malicious Parent Syndrome
The signs and symptoms of MPS can vary from parent to parent, but there are some common signs to look out for. These include:
- The parent tries to alienate the child from the other parent by speaking negatively about them, or by encouraging the child to reject the other parent.
- The parent attempts to manipulate the child by offering rewards or punishments in exchange for loyalty to them over the other parent.
- The parent tries to interfere in the child’s relationship with the other parent by refusing to allow them to have contact with the other parent, or by making it difficult for the other parent to have contact with the child.
- The parent tries to turn the child against the other parent by making false accusations or by lying about the other parent.
- The parent encourages the child to take sides in disputes between the parents.
Effects of Malicious Parent Syndrome
MPS can have serious emotional and psychological consequences for the child. It can cause confusion, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to behavioral problems, such as aggression and acting out. In extreme cases, MPS can cause the child to develop a mental disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
MPS can also have an impact on the relationship between the child and the other parent. It can lead to the child feeling resentment and distrust towards the other parent, as well as guilt and confusion. In extreme cases, the child may even reject the other parent completely.
How to Prove Malicious Parent Syndrome in 2023
It can be difficult to prove that a parent is deliberately trying to manipulate and alienate their child from the other parent. However, there are some steps that can be taken to prove MPS in a court of law.
The first step is to document the behavior of the parent in question. This can be done through written records or audio/video recordings. It is important to focus on the parent’s behavior and the impact it is having on the child. This will help to build a case against the parent and show that they are deliberately trying to manipulate the child.
The second step is to obtain a professional opinion. This can be done by consulting with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. This can help to provide an expert opinion on the parent’s behavior and the impact it is having on the child.
The third step is to obtain evidence from the other parent. This can be done through written statements, audio/video recordings, or testimony from the other parent. This can help to show that the parent in question is deliberately trying to manipulate the child.
Finally, it is important to build a strong legal case against the parent in question. This can be done by consulting with a lawyer and gathering all of the necessary evidence. This will help to prove that the parent is deliberately trying to manipulate and alienate the child from the other parent.
Conclusion
Malicious Parent Syndrome is a serious psychological disorder that can have serious emotional and psychological consequences for the child. It is important to take steps to protect the child from this type of abuse. If you suspect that a parent is deliberately trying to manipulate and alienate their child from the other parent, it is important to take steps to prove it in a court of law. Documentation, professional opinion, and evidence from the other parent can help to prove that the parent is deliberately trying to manipulate and alienate the child.