Parental alienation syndrome. A developmental analysis of a vulnerable population.

1. Parental alienation syndrome is the systematic denigration by one parent of the other parent with the intent of alienating the child. 2. Parents who engage in alienating activity have experienced loss, leading to depression, anger, and aggression. The family system experiences loss during divorce and is adversely affected by the alienating activities of one parent. 3. Understanding the dynamics of parental alienation syndrome will position the nurse to recognize it as a symptom of depression and dependence, and bring care to the vulnerable population.