Professional reference
Operational behavior definitions
Use these definitions to make reports, observations, and team conversations more specific. They describe behavior; they do not establish motive, diagnosis, abuse, or a custody recommendation.
Badmouthing the other parent
Operational definition
Negative, demeaning, or hostile statements about the other parent made to or within earshot of the child.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Limiting contact
Operational definition
Actions that reduce scheduled, ordinary, or spontaneous contact between the child and the other parent.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Interfering with communication
Operational definition
Blocking, monitoring, redirecting, or disrupting calls, texts, messages, or other direct communication.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Interfering with symbolic communication
Operational definition
Blocking photos, gifts, cards, mentions, or other ordinary reminders of the other parent.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Withdrawal of love or conditional approval
Operational definition
Withholding affection, approval, or belonging when the child shows warmth toward the other parent.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Telling the child the parent does not love them
Operational definition
Statements or repeated suggestions that the other parent does not love, want, or care about the child.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Forcing the child to choose
Operational definition
Direct or indirect pressure requiring the child to demonstrate loyalty to one parent over the other.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Telling the child the parent is dangerous
Operational definition
Presenting the other parent as unsafe, threatening, or harmful without a substantiated, child-relevant basis.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Confiding in the child about adult or court matters
Operational definition
Sharing litigation, financial, relationship, or other adult information that places the child in an adult role.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Forcing the child to reject the other parent
Operational definition
Directing, scripting, rewarding, or otherwise pressuring the child to refuse or denounce the other parent.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Asking the child to spy
Operational definition
Requesting information about the other parent, household, or activities for use in adult conflict or litigation.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Asking the child to keep secrets
Operational definition
Instructing the child to conceal information from the other parent or carry adult secrets.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Referring to the parent by first name
Operational definition
Consistently replacing a parent title with a first name in a way that diminishes the parent role.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Referring to a step-parent as “Mom” or “Dad”
Operational definition
Encouraging a child to use a parental title for a step-parent while displacing or erasing the other parent.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Withholding medical, academic, or other information
Operational definition
Failing to share or actively blocking access to information needed for the other parent to participate in care.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Rowen & Emery (2014)
Changing the child’s name to remove association
Operational definition
Changing, shortening, or modifying the child’s name to reduce connection with the other parent.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Baker & Chambers (2011)
Cultivating dependency or undermining autonomy
Operational definition
Encouraging excessive dependence or portraying the child’s independent relationship with the other parent as disloyal.
Measure
Frequency — how many times this behavior occurred during a stated period. · Duration — how long one episode lasted; record start and end times when known. · Context or antecedent — what happened immediately before, where it happened, and who was present. · Latency — how long it took for the behavior to begin after a clear request, opportunity, or event. · Intensity or response magnitude — the observable size of the response, such as exact words, volume, distance, or disruption; avoid a severity score without a defined scale.
Examples
- A dated record describing the specific words or actions, who was present, and what happened next.
- A repeated pattern supported by contemporaneous messages, calendars, or independent witnesses.
Non-examples
- A conclusion about a person's motive without a description of observable behavior.
- A single difficult interaction that has no broader context or corroborating record.
Sources: Baker & Darnall (2006); Harman et al. (2016); Williams et al. (2012)
Professional resources are educational and do not replace jurisdiction-specific legal, clinical, or safety review.