A new research paper authored by Jennifer Harman, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Colorado State University, has received the Ned Holstein Shared Parenting Research award from the National Parents Organization.  

The paper, which was published in Children and Youth Services Review in December of 2023, took a data analysis approach to determine the accuracy of hypotheses that in court cases where parental alienation is claimed mothers lose custody of their children to abusive fathers at an “alarming” rate. Through analysis of 500 trial court cases, these claims were found to be false.  

The impact of this research was recognized through this award that is given to authors of the best article or book published in the previous 12 months relating to the mission of National Parents Organization (NPO) – to improve the lives of children and strengthen society by protecting every child’s right to the love and care of both parents when divorced or separated, through scientific research-based advocacy.  

“Dr. Jennifer Harman is a world-renowned researcher on issues of parental alienation,” said Don Hubin, Chair of the Board of the NPO and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the Ohio State University.  

“In an area of research sometimes marred by agenda-driven work, Professor Harman’s research is a model of objective, scientifically rigorous research. It sets a high bar for others to aspire to.” 

The award was announced at the NPO’s Shared Parenting Day Event on April 25th.