Working Group to Review Scientific Literature for High Conflict Family Relationships with Child Involvement

Thank you for your interest in the working group and this important review initiative. For background, the APA Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest; Board of Educational Affairs; Board of Professional Affairs; and Board of Scientific Affairs, in consultation with the Committee on Children, Youth and Families, held a series of discussions and determined that it would be helpful to establish a cross-cutting collaborative (or virtual working group) to review the scientific literature relevant to high conflict family relationships with child involvement.

A call for nominations was distributed, and individuals were selected for their backgrounds and expertise in a wide variety of relevant areas, including testing, assessment, and research methods; clinical, forensic, and family practice; attachment theory; family systems; family law proceedings; trauma; child and adolescent psychology; child abuse and neglect; and related family issues.

This working group has been asked to review the scientific literature on families experiencing high-conflict family relationships, including parenting and custody issues. This group has been asked to:

• review and synthesize the current peer-reviewed scientific literature and scholarly research in this area, and
• recommend next steps for advancing knowledge development and application in this area.

Recommendations initiated by this group will not constitute APA policy and will be subject to formal review in accordance with association rules. Since APA does not develop diagnoses of health conditions or advocate for their creation, that is not part of this group’s charge.

Periodic reports on this group’s activities and progress will be provided to the APA boards and committees mentioned and posted to this page as available. Relevant studies, articles, and other materials to inform the work of the group have already been solicited; additional literature will be reviewed as needed.

• March 15, 2020 Status Update (PDF, 157KB)opens in new window
• Oct. 15, 2019 Status Update (PDF, 154KB)opens in new window

The working group acknowledges the receipt of a significant amount of relevant material via U.S. mail and email. As noted in prior updates, due to the large volume of material received, it was not possible to acknowledge each and every contributor. However, the working group recognizes and appreciates the efforts of individuals and groups to make this material available. Peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and summary detail on psychological practice and research were particularly helpful.

The working group appreciates efforts of individuals and groups to be mindful of privacy and informed consent. Given privacy and confidentiality concerns, and concerns for the parents and children involved, the working group did not solicit, accept, or retain case material or personal accounts. While the working group is aware of and acknowledges the pain and distress experienced by some individuals and families in these matters, this group is charged with reviewing the scientific literature from peer reviewed sources and will base its conclusions on this review.