Parental alienation and its impact on self-esteem and well-being - a meta-Ethnography

Previous studies have highlighted that the transformations of the family of origin and parent-child relationships impact children's personal growth and mental health, which persist well into adulthood. Research has mainly focused on experiences of parental divorce during childhood, which motivated us to examine what impact parental alienation during childhood has on self-esteem, and well-being in adulthood.

Original qualitative studies were identified and systematically synthesised using a meta-ethnographic approach. Six databases were searched for relevant full-text articles in English, as well as in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish. There were no limitations concerning the year of publication. Articles were first screened against inclusion criteria for eligibility and then assessed for quality and analysed using Noblit and Hare's seven-step meta-ethnography process. The ENTREQ checklist for systematic reviews was used. Ten qualitative studies were included in the analysis.

The analysis resulted in four themes: Lack of trust and insecure relationships, Emotional pain, feelings of loss and guilt, Low self-esteem affects life paths and Embracing strategies and changes. A synthesis of the four themes is illuminated in the line of argument and metaphor: A tree that grows in the shadow of its roots.

By understanding the experiences parental alienation has on adults' self-esteem and wellbeing, health and social care professionals, services, and educational institutions can better support and help persons to find the strength in their roots, find a balanced sense of vulnerability and freedom that contributes to health and well-being, and an ability to follow their own life path.