The Devastating Impact of Parental Alienation on the Targeted Parent

Angela Startz, MAHSC, CMCLC
Jul 10
2 min read

Updated: Oct 8

Parental alienation is a heart-wrenching phenomenon where one parent manipulates a child to reject the other, often during high-conflict divorces or custody disputes, though it also happens in dysfunctional marriages. While the child is caught in the middle, the targeted parent—the one pushed away—faces profound emotional, psychological, and even spiritual consequences. This blog explores how parental alienation affects the targeted parent, shedding light on a pain often endured in silence.

Emotional Toll on the Targeted Parent

The emotional impact of parental alienation is immediate and crushing. Targeted parents often feel isolated, as the bond with their child is severed through no fault of their own. This rejection can lead to deep heartbreak and depression, as the parent grapples with the loss of a relationship central to their life. According to Psychology Today, the experience is “deeply upsetting,” with parents advised to seek support from friends, family, or groups to cope with the overwhelming sense of ostracism (Psychology Today, 2025). Yet many find that this phenomenon is so complex and difficult to understand, much less explain to others, that their family and friends can compound the pain through misguided (but well-meaning) advice, bewilderment, and unfounded judgment. The pain is compounded by the child’s apparent hostility, which may feel like a betrayal, even though it stems from manipulation.

Psychological Strain

Beyond emotional distress, parental alienation takes a significant psychological toll. Targeted parents often face prolonged stress from legal battles to regain custody or visitation rights, which can exacerbate mental health challenges. The constant struggle to prove their worth as a parent, coupled with rejection, can lead to anxiety and a shaken sense of self. Depression often sets in as the battle shifts to one for self-acceptance as well. For many, the psychological burden feels like a marathon with no finish line, as they navigate a system that does not fully recognize the harm of alienation.

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Spiritual Impact

While less discussed, the spiritual consequences of parental alienation are profound. The loss of connection with a child can spark a crisis of identity, challenging a parent’s sense of purpose and value. Many begin to question their faith and wonder why God has allowed their child to be abused and ripped from them. Yet others, as Counseling Today highlights, turn to faith to cope, with one parent noting, “God was a big thing for me” during their alienation experience (Counseling Today, 2025). The disruption of the parent-child bond can shake spiritual foundations, leaving a spiritual void. The spiritual impact of parental alienation is an often-overlooked wound, but it underscores the holistic devastation of it.

There is Hope and There is Help

Parental alienation leaves targeted parents grappling with emotional heartbreak, psychological strain, and spiritual crises. Yet, there is hope—therapy, support groups, and legal advocacy can help parents navigate this pain and work toward rebuilding relationships in due time. If you or someone you know is facing parental alienation, don’t suffer in silence. Seek professional help, connect with support networks, and share your story to raise awareness. Together, we can shine a light on this hidden struggle.

Angela W Startz, MAHSC, CMCLC

Mental Health & Relationship Coach

Called2Rise LLC

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