Grandparent Alienation: A Mixed Method Exploration of Life Satisfaction and Help-Seeking Experiences of Grandparents Alienated From Their Grandchildren

Grandparent alienation is an intentional behavior in which a parent turns a child against a grandparent through emotional manipulation of the child. In this study, we explored alienation behaviors experienced, life satisfaction, relationship status, and help-seeking experiences of 551 adults who identified as alienated grandparents. Analysis included ANOVA, regression analysis, correlation, and thematic analysis of all participants’ responses to an open-ended question addressing help seeking. Life satisfaction was negatively affected by the number of alienating behaviors experienced. Grandchild brainwashing and withholding information about grandchildren significantly predicted life satisfaction in this sample as did relationship status and participant age. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes related to participants’ help-seeking experiences with counselors: (1) their yearning for support was satisfied through validation, coping skill acquisition, and engaging with an empathic listener, and (2) they experienced disappointment and frustration through clinician lack of experience and understanding. Implications and best practices for counselors are provided.