An approach to the unscientific Parental Alienation Syndrome: Psycho-legal and social repercussions

Abstract

This paper aims to offer the reader a critique of the so-called Parental Alienation Syndrome (SAP). The concept is analyzed first, as defined by its creator, Gardner, and that meaning is explained within the context in which it was developed. It points out how it has never been scientifically proven, and how it has been rejected by all scientific organizations (one of them being the American Psychological Association). It is explained how in spite of this, in many Spanish courts its use is habitual, which means acting outside a scientific approach, which in turn also implies a lack of protection of minors, with serious consequences that are also exemplified. Finally, recommendations are made to avoid this situation, and especially stresses the need for the justice system to know that the techniques related to the SAP lack scientific validity, and that the application of non-scientific theories about people undermines the meaning of the justice system itself.

Keywords

• alienación parental
• evaluación psicológica-forense
• mala praxis profesional
• protección del menor