Family members' narratives on divorce and interparental conflict

Abstract

This study aims to interpret the internal dynamics and family relationships in post-divorce families experiencing ongoing interparental conflict and parental alienation. Interparental conflict and children's triangulation between parents increase the likelihood of parental alienation, which is associated with children's adjustment levels and parent-child relationship quality. This research employed narrative interviews with members of 3 families to explore their meaning structures. Results show how parents and children think, feel, and create meaning from their experiences; how family members respond to conflict and behaviors associated with parental alienation; and how they view relationships with one another. Meta-level findings suggest each family member holds dichotomous views, uses cognitive and behavioral control response strategies, and are involved in parental alienation as a relational dynamic.