How to Assess the Alienating Parent's Level of Intentionality to Estrange the Child

To assess the alienating parent's level of intentionality in their efforts to estrange the child from the alienated parent, the court-ordered psychologist would need to look for various indicators and gather relevant information. Here are some steps that could be taken:

Review of Communication: The psychologist can examine any written or electronic communication between the alienating parent and others, including friends, family members, or professionals, to identify any statements or actions that suggest a deliberate intent to alienate the child from the other parent.

Patterns of Behavior: The psychologist can evaluate the consistency and frequency of behaviors exhibited by the alienating parent that may contribute to parental alienation. This includes monitoring the alienating parent's actions, words, and attitudes towards the child and the alienated parent over a period of time.

Assessment of Motivations: Through interviews and psychological assessments, the psychologist can explore the alienating parent's motivations and emotions regarding the child and the alienated parent. This may involve understanding any underlying resentment, anger, or desire for control that may be driving their behavior.

Examination of Prior Behavior: The psychologist may consider the history of the relationship between the alienating parent and the alienated parent. They can assess whether there is a pattern of behavior suggesting deliberate attempts to undermine the other parent's relationship with the child.

Impact on the Child: The psychologist should evaluate the impact of the alienating parent's actions on the child's perception and relationship with the alienated parent. This may involve assessing the child's beliefs, emotions, and behaviors towards the alienated parent, as well as their ability to express independent thoughts and form healthy attachments.

It is important to note that determining intentionality can be complex, and it is ultimately up to the court-ordered psychologist to draw professional conclusions based on the available evidence and their expertise in the field of psychology.