One of the more harmful possible outcomes resulting from conflict between parents is the phenomenon of parental alienation syndrome (PAS). This disorder often goes undetected, and is not well recognized in Italy although it is the subject of many studies in the United States.Due to the ever-increasing attention given to PAS in cases regarding separation and divorce, where conflict involving child custody is often involved, the authors set about studying this topic by analyzing the files and records pertaining to 18 cases of PAS from four family counseling centers in Apulia, Italy.Using an intentionally elaborate questionnaire, we set out to investigate the particular features of PAS. In particular, this questionnaire allowed us to obtain information on the nuclear family as well as on the dynamics of separation and divorce. These elements are useful in determining parental fitness and can serve to offer insight into the behaviors of both the alienating and alienated parent. Furthermore, such information may offer insight into the effects of PAS on the children based on its three types (mild, moderate, and severe).The article concludes with some annotations, reflections, and proposals regarding the possible deleterious effects that parental conflicts may produc
