Understanding Parental Alienation

‘This marvelous book by Ben Hine, Ph.D., is not for beginners. It is an elegant, scholarly text that goes far beyond describing the destructive relationships among family members who are experiencing parental alienation. Dr. Hine explores the social, psychological, legal, and political contexts that envelop every case of this unhappy mental condition. For example, he shows how other psychological concepts—attachment theory, psychoanalysis, family systems, and interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory—create a framework for understanding alienation. And he explores how the broad landscape—such as the ecosystem and macrosystem—plays out in different countries. And there is much more in this book that will enlighten family members, mental health and legal professionals, legislators, and policy-makers.’

William Bernet, M.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

‘Understanding Parental Alienation: Theoretical Insights, and Practical Solutions is a clear, balanced, and trustworthy examination of one of the most complex issues in family dynamics and family law. Accessible yet scientifically rigorous, it is an invaluable resource for seasoned practitioners and those just beginning to encounter parental alienation alike – a must-have resource that readers will find themselves returning to over and over again.’

Yvonne Parnell, psychoanalyst, registered psychologist and Director of the Family Bridges Institute

Benjamin Hine, PhD, CPsychol, FHEA, is Professor of Applied Psychology at the University of West London and a leading expert in PA and domestic abuse. His extensive research on PA explores the psychological, societal, and legal dimensions of alienating behaviours, informed by both academic rigour and personal experience, having lived through parental alienation during his own childhood. Professor Hine’s firsthand insight into the emotional and relational impacts of PA, paired with his academic experience, uniquely qualifies him to write this book.