Five-Factor Model
In the book, Parental Alienation – Science and Law, and the article in Feedback – The Journal of the Family Therapy Association of Ireland, written by William Bernet, M.D., Dr. Bernet states "Parental alienation is a mental condition in which a child—usually one whose parents are engaged in a high-conflict separation or divorce—allies strongly with one parent (the preferred parent) and rejects a relationship with the other parent (the alienated parent) without legitimate justification." The Five-Factor Model (FFM) is a method for diagnosing parental alienation by understanding and identifying the components of this mental condition. The FFM includes the following criteria:
Factor 1
Contact Refusal
Is the child refusing contact with a parent?
Factor 2
Previous Relationship
Did the child previously have a positive relationship with the parent?
Factor 3
Abuse
Has the parent been demonstrated to be abusive
Factor 4
Alienating Behaviours
Is the prefered parent engaging in alienating behaviours?
Factor 5
Child Symptoms
Is the child manifesting symptoms of alienation?
(Baker, A. J. L., Chambers, J. (2011 ). Adult recall of childhood exposure to parental conflict: Unpacking the black box of parental alienation. Journal of Divorce and Remarriage. 52( l ), 55-76.)
(Gardner, R. A. ( 1992). The parental alienation syndrome: A guide for mental health and legal professionals. Cresskill, New Jersey: Creative Therapeutics.)
