Qualitative study of 38 adults who experienced alienation as children. Semi-structured interviews.

Tema ricorrente: bassa autostima, depressione, abuso di sostanze, perdita di fiducia, difficoltà nelle relazioni adulte.

Qualitative study of adults exposed to alienating behaviors as children (international sample, interviews)

Approximately 40% of respondents reported low self-esteem in adulthood, feelings of inadequacy, isolation, emotional pain, mistrust, and a sense of abandonment. 

Exposure to “loyalty conflict” behaviors was significantly correlated with lower self-esteem and higher levels of psychological distress, even when controlling for other factors. 

A perceived childhood alienation is associated with increased rejection sensitivity in adulthood and lower life satisfaction; relational motivations (e.g., avoidance, revenge) also mediate the negative impact.