Parental alienation is a supposed mental health disorder that's not recognized by major psychological bodies. The theory took off as a way to defend fathers from accusations of molesting their children. Experts say the concept that a child could actually be manipulated to believe and disclose abuse is wildly unscientifically supported. How often does this go on? ProPublica is collecting information on this now.
Two siblings in Utah are defying a court order to reunite with their father, who they allege abused them. ProPublica’s Hannah Dreyfus explains a controversial concept known as “parental alienation.”
This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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