Richard A. Gardner

Richard A. Gardner was an American psychiatrist known for his work in child psychology and family dynamics, particularly regarding parental relationships after divorce. He developed the concept of "Parental Alienation Syndrome" (PAS), which describes a situation where one parent manipulates a child to reject the other parent, often during custody battles. Gardner’s ideas sparked significant discussion and controversy in both psychological and legal communities, influencing how parental roles and child welfare are viewed in the context of divorce and separation. His work emphasizes the psychological impact of family conflict on children.