Estranged Parents

Family estrangement is complex. Different families may arrive at the same painful situation through very different circumstances, and no single theory can explain every case.

This collection brings together researchers, psychologists, therapists and other informed contributors to examine estrangement from several perspectives.

It includes:

• Dr Lucy Blake discussing the causes and emotional effects of family estrangement in an interview produced by the American Psychological Association;
• Professor Karl Pillemer presenting findings from Cornell University’s Estrangement and Reconciliation Project;
• a panel discussion exploring what may be driving the apparent growth in family estrangement;
• therapist Tina Gilbertson discussing how parents might approach possible reconnection with an estranged adult child; and
• a thoughtful psychological discussion about boundaries, coping and whether reconciliation is always possible or desirable.

Some contributors concentrate on research, while others offer practical or therapeutic perspectives. They do not necessarily agree with one another, and Estranged Parents does not present any one viewpoint as the complete explanation.

We have selected these videos because they encourage reflection and understanding rather than blame, and because they recognise that estrangement can look very different from one family to another.

Watch the playlist:

Family Estrangement: Research & Expert Perspectives

The videos remain the work of their original creators and publishers. Inclusion in this collection does not necessarily imply endorsement of every opinion expressed.