Parental alienation in childhood and its impact on adult life satisfaction: the mediating role of rejection sensitivity and social transgression

Abstract: This study explored how childhood perceptions of parental alienation impact adult life satisfaction through a mediating model. A sample of 254 participants aged 18–40 completed online surveys. The proposed model examined how rejection sensitivity and transgression-related interpersonal motivations (avoidance, revenge, and forgiveness-benevolence) mediate this relationship. Higher childhood aenation was linked to greater rejection sensitivity, increasing avoidance and revenge motivations, while reducing forgiveness-benevolence, all of which contribute to lower life satisfaction. However, only revenge motivation significantly mediated the link between rejection sensitivity and life satisfaction, highlighting its negative impact. Avoidance and forgiveness motivations did not significantly affect life satisfaction in alienated individuals. These findings indicate that addressing rejection sensitivity and revenge motivation in therapy may contribute to enhancing the well-being and mental health of individuals who have experienced parental alienation. Implications statement: • This study’s findings indicate the need to detect alienated families and signs of distress among children in these families as early as possible. • To facilitate early intervention and mitigate long-term psychological effects.