An Attachment-Based Model of Parental Alienation: Single Case ABAB Assessment and Remedy

Assessing the cause of parent-child conflict following divorce can be a complex undertaking, especially in the context of allegations that one parent is exercising negative parental influence on the child that undermines the child’s relationship with the other parent. While securing testimony or conducting an extensive child custody evaluation are ways to assess the possible causes of parent-child conflict and allegations of negative parental influence, a more scientifically-based approach offers an alternative solution. Single-case research designs are an established scientific methodology for determining causality as well as treatment efficacy. A Single-Case Assessment and Remedy protocol offers the Court an empirically based approach for systematically collecting the information on child and family relationships that is needed to address the custody decisions before the Court.