Post date: Jul 30, 2011 8:17:28 PM
Post date: Jul 30, 2011 8:17:28 PM
Author
Lewis Zirogiannis
Excerpt
PARENTAL ALIENATION SYNDROME AND ITS PROBLEMS
Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a term originated by Dr. Richard Gardner to describe a cluster of co-occurring symptoms: (a) an alienated parent who engages in brainwashing, (b) a child who has adopted those negative views, and (c) a child who has vilified the rejected parent. 1 Gardner claimed that PAS is a syndrome because there is a common etiology or underlying cause, that is, an alienating parent. 2 Gardner differentiated PAS from parental alienation (PA). According to Gardner, the only element present in PA is the alienating behavior by a parent. 3 In the case of PA, the child has not adopted the parent's negative views and is not making false allegations. 4
The judicial system should look at Gardner's theories with heightened skepticism. Gardner's research methods and techniques have been questioned by notable scholars in the mental health field. 5 Gardner's research methods have been determined by scientists to lack predictive value and validity. 6 It is also impossible to assign potential rates of error using Gardner's diagnostic tools. 7
In developing a predictive tool, one is concerned with both the reliability and validity of the instrument. 8 When a standardized test measures the occurrence of a disease or syndrome, the test is reliable if different evaluators giving the same test derive the same or similar conclusions. 9 A standardized test is valid if the items on the test have a clear and obvious relationship to the purpose of the test. ...