The Overlooked Impact of Parental Alienation on Siblings

Angela Startz, MAHSC, CMCLC
Jul 24
2 min read

Updated: Oct 8

Parental alienation, where one parent manipulates a child to reject the other, is a devastating and dividing force in families. While much attention is given to the targeted parent and the alienated child, siblings—those not directly targeted by the manipulation—also suffer profoundly. Caught in the crossfire of family conflict, siblings face unique emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges. Let’s look at the impact of parental alienation on siblings, an often-overlooked perspective.

Emotional Toll on Siblings

Siblings of an alienated child experience a whirlwind of emotions, including confusion, sadness, and guilt. They may witness their sibling’s rejection of the targeted parent and feel torn between loyalty to their sibling, the alienating parent, and the targeted parent. According to Psychology Today, the family dynamic becomes a battleground, leaving siblings feeling powerless as they see their family fracture (Psychology Today, 2025). They might grieve the loss of a once-close relationship with their sibling or the targeted parent, while also feeling pressure to “pick a side.” This emotional turmoil can lead to isolation, as siblings struggle to process their role in a conflict they didn’t create.

Psychological Strain

The psychological impact on siblings is significant, as they navigate a disrupted family structure and heightened stress. Siblings may develop anxiety or depression, particularly if they feel responsible for “fixing” the family or protecting their sibling or even the alienated parent. A study in PMC notes that children in high-conflict family environments, like those involving alienation, are at risk for mental health issues, including low self-esteem and trauma (PMC, 2022). Siblings might also experience “parentification,” taking on adult-like roles to mediate or support the family, which can hinder their own emotional development. Over time, these psychological burdens may manifest as difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships, mirroring the long-term risks faced by the alienated child.

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Spiritual Impact

The spiritual consequences for siblings, though less studied, are a critical piece of the puzzle. The chaos of parental alienation can shake a sibling’s sense of security, trust, and identity within the family. As PMC suggests, children in alienating environments often report confusion about their experiences, which can extend to their worldview and beliefs (PMC, 2022). For siblings, watching a parent be vilified or a sibling turn against the family can erode their faith in familial bonds and trust in God, detrimentally affecting their spiritual development. This loss of trust may lead to questions about fairness, loyalty, and their place in the world, creating a subtle but profound spiritual wound.

There is Hope and There is Help

Siblings in families affected by parental alienation endure emotional pain, psychological strain, and spiritual challenges that are often overlooked. Their role as bystanders in a family conflict does not shield them from harm; instead, it places them in a unique position of vulnerability. Hope lies in early intervention—reunification therapy, open communication with trusted professionals, and support systems can help siblings process their experiences and rebuild connections. If you know a family grappling with parental alienation, advocate for the siblings’ well-being. Share this post, encourage professional support, and raise awareness to ensure no one in the family suffers in silence.

Angela W Startz, MAHSC, CMCLC

Mental Health & Relationship Coach

Called2Rise LLC

How Parental Alienation Harms Children Emotionally, Psychologically, and Spiritually

The Devastating Impact of Parental Alienation on the Targeted Parent

Parental Alienation