Ghosts in our genes: Psychological issues in child abduction and high conflict cases

Abstract

High levels of conflict between parents whose disputes come before courts cause children a range of adverse psychological outcomes. Few situations have the capacity to cause as much harm to children as those involving child abduction. Adverse outcomes are associated with the specific experience of abduction and with children’s experience of high levels of conflict between their parents. These situations involve significant changes for children in their experienced life, reduce access to social capital and create the potential for the loss of essential relationships. This chapter discusses the known psychological impacts on children of all forms of high levels of post-separation conflict and specifically child abduction. It will discuss how psychological knowledge can aid court systems to better hear and consider the voice of the child. It will discuss how courts can make decisions for children which might mitigate some of the known adverse outcomes.