When a parent attempts to alienate their child from the other parent there are a small number of children who are able to resist the pressure to do so. Parents who attempt unsuccessfully to alienate their children are being referred to as P.A.B., meaning Parental Alienation Behaviors. In spite of the on-going efforts the child is able to maintain a connection with their other parent. In examining the circumstances and qualities in these children researchers have found the following:
These children for the most part are better adjusted prior to the alienation. They have
- an easier temperament
- a higher IQ
- a healthy self-esteem
- a secure attachment to at least one parent
- a good relationship with their extended family
- may have a good relationship with a step parent or step siblings
- positive sibling relationships
- has one at least one neutral adult to help counter the alienation
- economic stability
It is interesting to note that often these children have greater access to the noncustodial parent. The more time the child seems to have with the potentially rejected parent the less likely it will be to negatively impact their relationship.