Date

8-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Todd W. Schultz

Keywords

Parental alienation, targeted parent, Christian, Black women, African American women, trauma, psychological distress, coping strategies, family and intimate partner violence

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Christian Black women who experienced parental alienation as the targeted parent. Data collection was conducted via semi-structured interviews with Christian Black women who experienced a high conflict separation or divorce and experienced parental alienation. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the data, identify patterns, and make meaning as it emerged from the participants’ narratives. The findings revealed that parental alienation is a complex phenomenon characterized by psychological distress, emotional devastation, identity disruption, relational harm, and spiritual transformation. Spiritual connection and reliance on faith were at the center of participants’ coping strategies even while managing spiritual confusion, rediscovery, and spiritual transformation. Faith, as a cornerstone to resilience and strength, was integral for the participants as they navigated parental alienation as the targeted parent. Insight was gained from the themes that emerged as participants’ unique narratives and lived experiences were interwoven, providing a deeper understanding of parental alienation from the perspectives of Christian Black women as the targeted parent.

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