What scientific publications have to say about parental alienation in Brazil

In spite of the controversies associated with the topic of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) or Parental Alienation (PA), and lack of substantial research on such topics, Brazil is perhaps the only country in the world with a... [ view full abstract ]

In spite of the controversies associated with the topic of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) or Parental Alienation (PA), and lack of substantial research on such topics, Brazil is perhaps the only country in the world with a Federal Law on Parental Alienation (Federal Law 12.318/2010). In existence since 2010, the law provides punishing consequences for alienating practice by parents and determines the role of Forensic Psychologists in the investigation of alleged cases. The aim of the present study was to review the Brazilian scientific literature on PA and PAS. The methodology involved reviewing main Brazilian electronic databases up to July/2015 (IndexPsi, Pepsic, SciELO, Capes and Lilacs) for studies that made reference to the two terminologies in available Portuguese speaking journals. As a result, 13 articles in Psychological or Legal journals were selected. The studies were reviewed and classified according to its methodology in the following categories: 1) Theoretical papers: papers which reflected on the use of PA or PAS, without defining concepts or summarizing theories in depth; 2) Theoretical reviews: papers presenting a larger conceptual framework, and theoretical refinement, based on published studies or professional practice; 3) Empirical studies: studies which collected or analyzed data through field research and hypotheses testing; 4) Essays: texts written in literary style without interpretation of theories and facts. As a result, four studies were found to be Theoretical papers, four Theoretical Reviews, four Empirical Studies and one Essay. Unfortunately most publications, including the empirical studies, did not contribute to the advancement of an understanding of PA or PAS, as they often used the two terms as synonyms, with an emphases on psychoanalytical terminology, in general. Concern about confusion to professionals and implications to child protection are raised, as well as the need to train Brazilian professionals on such topics.