The Lived Experiences of Aged-Out Children who have Undergone Forced Reunification: A Retrospective, Qualitative Phenomenological Study
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Authors
Shaw, Jamie
Issue Date
2026-05
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
parental alienation , high-conflict custody , reunification therapy , reunification camps
Alternative Title
Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of individuals who were court-ordered to participate in reunification therapy or reunification camps during childhood following high-conflict custody disputes. Existing literature highlights limited empirical research examining the long-term emotional, psychological, and relational outcomes of forced reunification interventions, particularly from the perspectives of aged-out participants. Guided by trauma theory, this study addressed this gap by examining how these experiences were retrospectively perceived in adulthood. A purposive sample of ten participants over the age of eighteen who had previously undergone court-ordered reunification therapy or camps participated in semi-structured interviews conducted via a video-conferencing platform. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis supported by qualitative data analysis software. Strategies including member checking, reflexive journaling, and maintenance of an audit trail enhanced trustworthiness. Findings revealed four primary thematic patterns addressing the research questions, including lived experiences characterized by coercion and emotional invalidation, sustained psychological distress across all intervention stages, coping strategies centered on emotional suppression and strategic compliance, and long-term relational disruptions involving parents, siblings, and peers. Participants reported enduring trauma-related symptoms, severe distrust of legal and therapeutic systems, and attachment difficulties. This study contributes to limited empirical literature by examining the voices of aged-out individuals and extending trauma theory to include systemic and institutional sources of trauma. Findings highlight implications for clinical practice, family court decision-making, and policy development, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed and child-centered assessment approaches. Recommendations include longitudinal research examining long-term outcomes and evaluation of alternative reunification methods prioritizing emotional safety and autonomy.