PAGS is an acronym that stands for "Parental Alienation Gatekeeping Syndrome." It refers to a phenomenon observed in certain family dynamics during or after divorce or separation, where one parent actively manipulates or influences their children's perception of the other parent, leading to the alienation of the targeted parent. PAGS is primarily seen in high-conflict custody disputes, and it involves not only the actions of the alienating parent but also the response of the alienated parent.
In PAGS, the alienating parent engages in gatekeeping behavior, which includes limiting or obstructing the targeted parent's access to the children, discouraging or rejecting their involvement in the children's lives, and making negative or derogatory comments about the targeted parent. This behavior aims to erode the relationship between the children and the targeted parent, ultimately alienating them from their noncustodial or non-residential parent.
The consequences of PAGS can be detrimental to the children's emotional well-being as they may experience confusion, loyalty conflicts, and even long-term psychological damage from the manipulation. Moreover, the targeted parent suffers significant emotional distress due to the loss of their relationship with their children.
As PAGS can have severe and long-lasting effects on both the children and targeted parent, it is essential for family courts, mental health professionals, and legal systems to recognize and address this issue appropriately. Interventions may involve therapy, dispute resolution strategies, parenting plans, and legal measures to safeguard the children's best interests and promote healthy parent-child relationships.
