EMPATHY PARADIGM

Journal Article

A National Study of Adult Women Sexually Abused by Clergy: Insights for Social Workers

2022

Pooler, D., & Barros-Lane, L.

Sexual Abuse,Women,Religious Leaders/Clergy

Pooler, D., & Barros-Lane, L. (2022). A national study of adult women sexually abused by clergy: Insights for social workers. Social Work, 67(2), 123-133.

Journal Article

A Primer on Memory Reconsolidating and Its Psychotherapeutic Use as a Core Process of Profound Change

2013

Ecker, B., Ticic, R., & Hulley, L.

Trauma,Memory Reconsolidation,Treatment/Counseling,Therapy Modalities

Ecker, B., Ticic, R., & Hulley, L. (2013). A Primer on Memory Reconsolidating and Its Psychotherapeutic Use as a Core Process of Profound Change. The Neuropsychotherapist, 1, 82-99. https://doi.org/10.12744/tnpt(1)082-099

Journal Article

Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Within a Religious Context

2015

Levitt, H., Horne, S., Wheeler, E., & Wang, M.

Abuse ,Domestic Violence/IPV,Religion/Spirituality,Victimization & Violence

Levitt, H., Horne, S., Wheeler, E., & Wang, M. (2015) Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Within a Religious Context. Spiritually Oriented Psychotherapy for Trauma.

Journal Article

Addressing Religious or Spiritual Dimensions of Trauma and PTSD

2025

Sadie E. Larsen, PhD, Sarah Hopkins, PhD, and Irene Harris, PhD

Treatment/Counseling,Evaluation

Larsen, S. E., Hopkins, S., & Harris, I. (n.d.). Addressing religious or spiritual dimensions of trauma and PTSD. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD.

Journal Article

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Religious/Spiritual Struggles, and Mental Health Symptoms

2017

McCormick, W., Carroll, T., Sims, B., & Currier, J.

Developmental Trauma,Health,Symptoms,Religion/Spirituality

McCormick, W., Carroll, T., Sims, B., & Currier, J. (2017) Adverse Childhood Experiences, Religious/Spiritual Struggles, and Mental Health Symptoms. Mental Health, Religion & Culture.

Book

Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People in Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People

2017

Ginicola, M., Filmore, J., Stokes, M., & Smith, C.

LGBTQ, Affirming ,Treatment/Counseling

Ginicola, M., Filmore, J., Stokes, M., & Smith, C. (2017) Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People in Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People.

Book

Altogether You: Experiencing Personal and Spiritual Transformation with Internal Family Systems

2020

Riemersma, J.

Therapy Modalities,Treatment/Counseling,Religion/Spirituality

Riemersma, J. (2020). Altogether you: Experiencing personal and spiritual transformation with Internal Family Systems therapy. Pivotal Press.

Journal Article

An Exploratory Study on Mental Health, Social Problems & Spiritual Damage in Victims of Child Sexual Abuse by Catholic Clergy and Other Perpetrators

2022

Pereda, N., Guilera, G., Forns, M., & Gómez-Benito, J.

Sexual Abuse,Developmental Trauma,Religious Leaders/Clergy

Pereda, N., Guilera, G., Forns, M., & Gómez-Benito, J. (2022). An exploratory study on mental health, social problems, & spiritual damage in victims of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy and other perpetrators. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse.

Journal Article

An Update on the Dissociative Experiences Scale

1993

Carlson, E. & Putnam, F.

Dissociation,Evaluation,Treatment/Counseling

Carlson, E. & Putnam, F. (1993) An Update on the Dissociative Experiences Scale.

Journal Article

Approaches to Understanding and Aligning with Religious Leaders

2022

McLaughlin, et al.

Religious Leaders/Clergy

McLaughlin, C., Stinson, R., & Docherty, M. (2022). Approaches to understanding and aligning with religious leaders: A latent profile analysis of religious leaders’ worldviews. Spirituality in Clinical Practice.

Journal Article

Associations of Childhood Trauma Experiences with Religious and Spiritual Struggles

2020

Janů, A., Maliňáková, K., Malinakova, K., Kosarkova, A., & Tavel, P.

Developmental Trauma,Trauma,Religion/Spirituality

Janů, A., Maliňáková, K., Malinakova, K., Kosarkova, A., & Tavel, P. (2020). Associations of childhood trauma experiences with religious and spiritual struggles. Journal of Health Psychology. 10.1177/1359105320950793

Journal Article

Attachment Theory and Religion

2021

Cherniak, M., Thiemann, P., & Mackay, D.

Attachment ,Parenting,Developmental Trauma

Cherniak, M., Thiemann, P., & Mackay, D. (2021). Attachment theory and religion. Current Opinion in Psychology.

Journal Article

Being In-Between: Exploring Former Cult Members' Experiences of an Acculturation Process Using the Cultural Formulation Interview

2023

Hadding, C., Semb, O., Lehti, A., Fahlström, M., Sandlund, M., & DeMarinis, V.

Cults/High-Control,Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Culture/Community,Recovery

Hadding, C., Semb, O., Lehti, A., Fahlström, M., Sandlund, M., & DeMarinis, V. (2023). Being in-between; exploring former cult members' experiences of an acculturation process using the cultural formulation interview (DSM-5). Frontiers in psychiatry, 14, 1142189. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1142189

Thesis/Dissertation

Betrayed by the Divine and Overlooked by Scholarship: An Inquiry into Spiritual Abuse and Religious Trauma

2023

Bisantz, L.

Betrayal ,Race & Racism,BIPOC,Religious/Spiritual Abuse

Bisantz, L. (2023) Betrayed by the Divine and Overlooked by Scholarship: An Inquiry into Spiritual Abuse and Religious Trauma. University of Colorado Honors Journal.

Journal Article

Beyond PTSD: A Multi-Case Study Exploring Identity, Moral Injury, and Spiritual Injury

2023

Grimell, J. & Atuel, H.

PTSD/CPTSD,Identity,Moral Injury

Grimell, J. & Atuel, H. (2023) Beyond PTSD: A Multi-Case Study Exploring Identity, Moral Injury, and Spiritual Injury. Journal of Veterans Studies.

Journal Article

Bodily Maps of Emotions

2014

Nummenmaa, et al.

Body ,Emotions,Somatic

Nummenmaa, L., Glerean, E., Hari, R., & Hietanen, J. K. (2014). Bodily maps of emotions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 111(2), 646–651.

Journal Article

Child Sexual Abuse in Protestant Christian Congregations: A Descriptive Analysis of Offense and Offender Characteristics

2018

Denney, A., Kerley, K., & Gross, N.

Sexual Abuse,Developmental Trauma,Christian/Evangelical

Denney, A., Kerley, K., & Gross, N. (2018). Child Sexual Abuse in Protestant Christian Congregations: A Descriptive Analysis of Offense and Offender Characteristics. Religions. 9. 27. 10.3390/rel9010027.

Journal Article

Christian Shame and Religious Trauma

2022

Downie, A.

Christian/Evangelical,Shame,Trauma

Downie, A. (2022) Christian Shame and Religious Trauma. Religions.

Journal Article

Clinical Considerations of the Evangelical Purity Movement's Impact on Female Sexuality

2022

Estrada, L. L.

Purity Culture,Sex/Sexuality,Women

Estrada, L. L. (2021). Clinical Considerations of the Evangelical Purity Movement’s Impact on Female Sexuality. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 48(2), 121–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2021.1977445

Journal Article

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

2011

Kar, N.

Cognitive,PTSD/CPTSD,Treatment/Counseling

Kar, N. (2011) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Neuropsychiatry Dis Treatment.

Book

Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma

2013

Walker, P.

PTSD/CPTSD,Developmental Trauma,Childhood Development,Recovery

Walker, P. (2013) Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma.

Book

Congregations in 21st Century America

2021

Chaves, M., & Lehrer, E. L.

Religion/Spirituality,Culture/Community,Prevalence/Statistics

Chaves, M., & Lehrer, E. L. (2021). Congregations in 21st century America. Department of Sociology, Duke University.

Journal Article

Consequences of Abuse by Religious Authorities

2019

McGraw, C. & Pargament, K.

Abuse ,Authoritarian,Religious Leaders/Clergy

McGraw, C., & Pargament, K. I. (2019). Consequences of abuse by religious authorities. Traumatology.

Journal Article

Construction and Validation of a Muslim Religious Trauma Scale

2024

Üzeyir Ok, Ayşe Burcu Gören, Çiğdem Gülmez

Evaluation,Muslim,Trauma

Ok, Ü., Gören, A. B., & Gülmez, Ç. (2024). Construction and validation of a Muslim religious trauma scale. Journal of loss & trauma. 10.1080/15325024.2024.2412294

Journal Article

Contemporary Review of Empirical and Clinical Studies of Trauma Bonding in Violent or Exploitative Relationships

2013

Reid, J. A., Haskell, R. A., Dillahunt-Aspillaga, C., & Thor, J. A.

Trauma,Literature Review,Trauma Bonding

Reid, J. A., Haskell, R. A., Dillahunt-Aspillaga, C., & Thor, J. A. (2013). Contemporary review of empirical and clinical studies of trauma bonding in violent or exploitative relationships. International Journal of Psychology Research, 8(1), 37–73.

Journal Article

Cult Conversion from the Perspective of Families: Implications for Prevention and Psychological Intervention

2022

Castaño, Á., Bélanger, J., & Moyano, M.

Cults/High-Control,Family,Treatment/Counseling,Multigenerational

Castaño, Á., Bélanger, J., & Moyano, M. (2022) Cult Conversion from the Perspective of Families: Implications for Prevention and Psychological Intervention. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.

Book

Cult Recovery: A Clinician's Guide to Working with Former Members and Families

2017

Lorna Goldberg, William Goldberg, Rosanne Henry, Michael Langone

Cults/High-Control,Recovery,Treatment/Counseling

Goldberg, L., Goldberg, W., Henry, R., & Langone, M. (2017) Cult Recovery: A Clinician's Guide to Working with Former Members and Families. International Cultic Studies Association.

Thesis/Dissertation

Cultic Abuse Recovery: Counseling Considerations

2019

Oblak, R.

Abuse ,Treatment/Counseling,Cults/High-Control,Recovery

Oblak, R. (2019) Cultic Abuse Recovery: Counseling Considerations. International Journal of Cultic Studies.

Journal Article

Cults and Persuasion: Submission as Preference Shifting

2022

Corvaglia, L.

Cults/High-Control,Control/Coercion,Authoritarian

Corvaglia, L. (2022). Cults and persuasion. Submission as preference shifting. International Journal of Coercion, Abuse and Manipulation. https://doi.org/10.7182/PRTR.15.1.0N13660R26G725KJ

Journal Article

Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Intervention in Faith Communities

2025

Igwe, E., Peter-Anyebe, A. & Agama, O

Domestic Violence/IPV,Religious Leaders/Clergy,Treatment/Counseling

Igwe, E., Peter-Anyebe, A. & Agama, O. (2025). Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Intervention in Faith Communities: A Review of Trauma-Informed. 1. 34-42. 10.26480/svs.01.2025.34.42.

Journal Article

Dealing With the Trauma of Leaving Religion Behind

2022

Winzenried, C.

Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Trauma

Winzenried, C. (2022) Dealing With the Trauma of Leaving Religion Behind. The Australian Humanist.

Book

Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself

2024

Herrington, A. J.

Deconstruction,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Identity,Recovery

Herrington, A. J. (2024). Deconstructing your faith without losing yourself. Grand Rapids, Michigan, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Journal Article

Development and Evaluation of the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale-5 (RSS-5)

2025

Salcone, S., Currier, J., Mcdermott, R., Davis, D., Raines, A., Lee, Y., Exline, J. & Pargament, K.

Evaluation,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Religion/Spirituality

Salcone, S., Currier, J., Mcdermott, R., Davis, D., Raines, A., Lee, Y., Exline, J. & Pargament, K. (2025). Development and Evaluation of the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale-5 (RSS-5). Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment. 47.

Journal Article

Development and Validation of the Psychological Abuse Experienced in Groups Scale (PAEGS)

2017

Saldaña, O., Rodríguez-Carballeira, Á., Almendros, C., & Escartín, J.

Evaluation,Cults/High-Control, Abuse

Saldaña, O., Rodríguez-Carballeira, Á., Almendros, C., & Escartín, J. (2017). Development and validation of the psychological abuse experienced in groups scale. The European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context, 9(2), 57-64.

Thesis/Dissertation

Development of a Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire

2016

Keller, K.

Evaluation,Religious/Spiritual Abuse

Keller, K. (2016). Development of a spiritual abuse questionnaire (Doctoral dissertation). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Journal Article

Development of the Spiritual Harm and Abuse Scale

2022

Koch, D. & Edstrom, L.

Evaluation,Religious/Spiritual Abuse

Koch, D. & Edstrom, L. (2022) Development of the Spiritual Harm and Abuse Scale, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.

Journal Article

Developmental Trauma: Conceptual Framework, Associated Risks and Comorbidities, and Evaluation and Treatment

2022

Cruz, D., Lichten, M., Berg, K., & George, P.

Childhood Development,Developmental Trauma,Trauma,Treatment/Counseling

Cruz, D., Lichten, M., Berg, K., & George, P. (2022). Developmental trauma: Conceptual framework, associated risks and comorbidities, and evaluation and treatment. Frontiers in psychiatry, 13, 800687.

Book

Disidentification (As a Survival Strategy for Religious Trauma)

2022

Ramler, M. E.

Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Trauma,Recovery

Ramler, M. E. (2022). Disidentification (as a survival strategy for religious trauma). In J. Rhodes & J. Alexander (Eds.) The Routledge handbook of queer rhetoric (pp. 281-289). Routledge.

Journal Article

Distorting Concepts, Obscured Experiences: Hermeneutical Injustice in Religious Trauma and Spiritual Violence

2020

Panchuk, M.

Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Religion/Spirituality,Trauma,Victimization & Violence

Panchuk, M. (2020) Distorting Concepts, Obscured Experiences: Hermeneutical Injustice in Religious Trauma and Spiritual Violence. Hypatia.

Journal Article

Divergent Models of Childrearing in Popular Manuals: Conservative Protestants vs. the Mainstream Experts

1995

Bartkowski, J. P., & Ellison, C. G.

Parenting,Developmental Trauma,Christian/Evangelical,Childhood Development

Bartkowski, J. P., & Ellison, C. G. (1995). Divergent models of childrearing in popular manuals: Conservative Protestants vs. the mainstream experts. Sociology of Religion, 56(1), 21–34. https://doi.org/10.2307/3712036

Thesis/Dissertation

Evaluating Church Hurt in the Black Church

2023

Williams, S.

BIPOC,Christian/Evangelical,Culture/Community

Williams, S. (2023). Evaluating Church Hurt in the Black Church. Publication No. 28412853), Doctoral dissertation, Walden University. ScholarWorks.

Journal Article

Evaluation of the FICA Tool for Spiritual Assessment

2010

Borneman T., Ferrell B., & Puchalski, C.

Religion/Spirituality,Evaluation,Treatment/Counseling

Borneman, T., Ferrell, B., & Puchalski, C. (2010) Evaluation of the FICA Tool for Spiritual Assessment. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2010 Aug;40(2):163-73.

Journal Article

Examining Religious Disaffiliation Through a Family Systems Lens: Implications for Treatment

2019

Knight, A., Esmiol Wilson, E., Ward, D., & Nice, L.

Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Family,Treatment/Counseling

Knight, A., Esmiol Wilson, E., Ward, D., & Nice, L. (2019) Examining Religious Disaffiliation Through a Family Systems Lens: Implications for Treatment. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy.

Journal Article

Exploring Black Clergy Perspectives on Religious/Spiritual Related Domestic Violence

2021

Davis, M. & Johnson, M.

BIPOC,Domestic Violence/IPV,Religious Leaders/Clergy

Davis, M. & Johnson, M. (2021) Exploring Black Clergy Perspectives on Religious/Spiritual Related Domestic Violence. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma.

Journal Article

Exploring Relationships Between Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder, Sex Guilt, and Religiosity Among College Women in the U.S

2021

Azim, F., Ginsberg, N., Becker, B., & Scheffler, K.

Sex/Sexuality,Women,Somatic

Azim, F., Ginsberg, N., Becker, B., & Scheffler, K. (2021). Exploring relationships between genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, sex guilt, and religiosity among college women in the U.S. The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Journal Article

Exploring Self-Disclosure Between the Survivor-Therapist and Survivor-Clients

2022

Bainbridge, A.

Therapy Modalities,Treatment/Counseling,Recovery

Bainbridge, A. (2022) Exploring Self-Disclosure Between the Survivor-Therapist and Survivor-Clients. Counseling and Psychotherapy Research.

Assessment Tool

FICA Spiritual History Tool: A Guide for Spiritual Assessment in Clinical Settings

2025

Puchalski, C.

Evaluation,Religion/Spirituality

Puchalski, C. (2025) FICA Spiritual History Tool: A Guide for Spiritual Assessment in Clinical Settings. The GW Institute for Spirituality & Health.

Journal Article

Failure to Escape Traumatic Shock

1967

Seligman, M. & Maier, S.

Trauma, Learned Helplessness

Seligman, M. & Maier, S. (1967) Failure to Escape Traumatic Shock. Journal of Experimental Psychology.

Journal Article

Gender and Domestic Abuse Victimisation Among Churchgoers in North West England

2021

Barnes, R., & Aune, K.

Gender, Abuse ,Religious/Spiritual Abuse

Barnes, R., & Aune, K. (2021) Gender and Domestic Abuse Victimisation Among Churchgoers in North West England. Journal of Gender-Based Violence.

Journal Article

General Principles for a Social Learning Framework of Personality Study

1954

Rotter, J.

Social/Relationships,Personality,Identity

Rotter, J. (1954) General Principles for a Social Learning Framework of Personality Study.

Journal Article

Holding Bishops Accountable: How Lawsuits Helped the Catholic Church Confront Clergy Sexual Abuse

2008

Lytton, T. D.

Sexual Abuse,Religious Leaders/Clergy

Lytton, T. D. (2008). Holding bishops accountable: How lawsuits helped the Catholic Church confront clergy sexual abuse. Harvard University Press.

Journal Article

I Feel Like God Doesn’t Like Me: Faith and Ambiguous Loss Among Transgender Youth

2021

Okrey Anderson, S., & Mcguire, J.

LGBTQ,Transgender,Adolescence,Conversion Practices

Okrey Anderson, S., & Mcguire, J. (2021) I Feel Like God Doesn’t Like Me: Faith and Ambiguous Loss Among Transgender Youth. Family Relations.

Journal Article

I Was Taught to See Sexuality as Something Evil: A Qualitative Study on the Impact of a Cult Childhood on Sexual Development

2023

Sälzer, M. & Jungbauer, J.

Sex/Sexuality,Purity Culture,Cults/High-Control,Developmental Trauma

Sälzer, M. & Jungbauer, J. (2023). "I was Taught to See Sexuality as Something Evil": A Qualitative Study on the Impact of a Cult Childhood on Sexual Development. International Journal of Coercion Abuse and Manipulation. 2023. 1-14. 10.54208/1000/0007/001.

Journal Article

Identifying Systemic Factors When Counseling Black Women of Christian Faith in the USA

2023

Harper, S., McCarthy, M., & Samuelsen, K.

BIPOC,Women,Christian/Evangelical,Treatment/Counseling

Harper, S., McCarthy, M., & Samuelsen, K. (2023). Identifying systemic factors when counseling black women of Christian faith in the USA. Journal of Religion and Health.

Journal Article

Identifying Well‐Being Profiles and Resilience Characteristics in Ex‐Members of Fundamentalist Christian Faith Communities

2022

Thoma, C., Fruits, E., & Eisenberg, M.

Fundamentalism,Deconstruction,Evaluation

Thoma, C., Fruits, E., & Eisenberg, M. (2022). Identifying well-being profiles and resilience characteristics in ex-members of fundamentalist Christian faith communities. Stress and Health.

Journal Article

Improved Treatment for Developmental Trauma

2021

Abrams, Z.

Treatment/Counseling,Childhood Development,Developmental Trauma

Abrams, Z. (2021) Improved Treatment for Developmental Trauma. Monitor on Psychology.

Journal Article

Intergenerational Transmission of Religious Trauma Manifestations, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications

2024

Pazer, S.

Multigenerational,Trauma

Pazer, S. (2024). Intergenerational Transmission of Religious Trauma: Manifestations, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications. International Journal of Progressive Research in Engineering Management and Science. 04. 356-363. 10.58257/IJPREMS36237.

Journal Article

Internal Family Systems Therapy with Victims of Religious Trauma: Efficacy in Treating Trauma Symptoms and Impact on the Desire to Engage with Spirituality

2022

Zhao, R.

Treatment/Counseling,Therapy Modalities,Religion/Spirituality

Zhao, R. Y. (2022). Internal family systems therapy with victims of religious trauma: Efficacy in treating trauma symptoms and impact on the desire to engage with spirituality.

Book

Intrusive Parenting: How Psychological Control Affects Children and Adolescents

2002

Brian K. Barber

Parenting,Developmental Trauma, Attachment ,Childhood Development,Adolescence

Barber, B. K. (Ed.). (2002). Intrusive parenting: How psychological control affects children and adolescents. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10422-000

Journal Article

Inventory of Complicated Spiritual Grief (ICSG) 2.0

2019

Burke, L. A., Crunk, A. E., Neimeyer, R. A., & Bai, H.

Evaluation,Grief,Treatment/Counseling

Burke, L. A., Crunk, A. E., Neimeyer, R. A., & Bai, H. (2021). Inventory of Complicated Spiritual Grief 2.0 (ICSG 2.0): Validation of a revised measure of spiritual distress in bereavement. Death studies.

Journal Article

Leaving a Covenantal Religion: Orthodox Jewish Disaffiliation From an Immigration Psychology Perspective

2020

Engelman, et al.

Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Judaism

Engelman, J., Milstein, G., Schonfeld, I., & Grubbs, J. (2020) Leaving a Covenantal Religion: Orthodox Jewish Disaffiliation From an Immigration Psychology Perspective. Mental Health, Religion & Culture.

Book

Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion.

2016

Winell, M. & Allen, S.

Fundamentalism,Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Deconstruction

Winell, M. & Allen, S. (2016) Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion.

Journal Article

Living Between Two Different Worlds: Experiences of Leaving a High-Cost Religious Group

2022

Björkmark, M., Nynäs, P., & Koskinen, C.

Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Religious/Spiritual Abuse

Björkmark, M., Nynäs, P., & Koskinen, C. (2022) Living Between Two Different Worlds: Experiences of Leaving a High-Cost Religious Group. Journal of Religion and Health.

Journal Article

Long-Term Effects of a Cult Childhood on Attachment, Intimacy, and Close Relationships

2022

Kern, C. & Jungbauer, J.

Attachment ,Developmental Trauma,Cults/High-Control,Childhood Development

Kern, C. & Jungbauer, J. (2022) Long-Term Effects of a Cult Childhood on Attachment, Intimacy, and Close Relationships. Clinical Social Work Journal.

Journal Article

Lost Saints: Desacralization, Spiritual Abuse, and Magic Mushrooms

2022

Lutkajtis, A.

Abuse ,Desacralization,Religion/Spirituality

Lutkajtis, A. (2022) Lost Saints: Desacralization, Spiritual Abuse, and Magic Mushrooms. Fieldwork in Religion, 14(2).

Journal Article

Mechanisms of Religious Trauma Amongst Queer People in Australia’s Evangelical Churches

2022

Hollier, J., Clifton, S., & Smith-Merry, J.

Religion/Spirituality,Trauma,LGBTQ,Christian/Evangelical

Hollier, J., Clifton, S., & Smith-Merry, J. (2022) Mechanisms of Religious Trauma Amongst Queer People in Australia’s Evangelical Churches. Clinical Social Work Journal.

Book

My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church

2022

Kenny, A.

Health,Disability,Religious/Spiritual Abuse, Abuse

Kenny, A. (2022) My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church.

Journal Article

Navigating Potentially Traumatic Conservative Religious Environments as a Sexual/Gender Minority

2021

Lefevor, G., Huffman, C., & Blaber, I.

LGBTQ,Gender,Sex/Sexuality

Lefevor, G., Huffman, C., & Blaber, I. (2021) Navigating Potentially Traumatic Conservative Religious Environments as a Sexual/Gender Minority. Violence Against LGBTQ+ Persons: Research, Practice, and Advocacy.

Book

No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model

2021

Richard Schwartz

Treatment/Counseling

Schwartz, R. (2021) No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Sounds True.

Journal Article

Percentage of U.S. Adults Suffering from Religious Trauma: A Sociological Study

2023

Slade, D, Smell, A., Wilson, E. & Drumsta, R.

Prevalence/Statistics

Slade, D, Smell, A., Wilson, E. & Drumsta, R. (2023) Percentage of U.S. Adults Suffering from Religious Trauma: A Sociological Study. Socio-Historical Examination of Religion and Ministry.

Educational Tool

Power and Control Wheel: The Duluth Model

1993

Domestic Abuse Intervention Project

Abuse ,Domestic Violence/IPV

Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (1993) Power and Control Wheel; The Duluth Model.

Book

Practicing What the Doctor Preached: At Home with Focus on the Family

2016

Susan B. Ridgely

Developmental Trauma,Christian/Evangelical,Parenting,Authoritarian

Ridgely, S. B. (2016). Practicing what the doctor preached: At home with Focus on the Family. Oxford University Press.

Journal Article

Prevalence of Sexual Pain Among Cisgender Muslim Women in North America

2023

Rahman, S., McGowan, K., Sun, C., & Durrant, H.

Muslim,Women,Sex/Sexuality,Somatic

Rahman, S., McGowan, K., Sun, C., & Durrant, H. (2023). Prevalence of sexual pain among cisgender Muslim women in North America. The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Journal Article

Protecting the Sacred Tree: Conceptualizing Spiritual Abuse Against Native American Elders

2022

Gray, J.

Abuse ,Indigenous,Religion/Spirituality

Gray, J. (2022) Protecting the Sacred Tree: Conceptualizing Spiritual Abuse Against Native American Elders. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.

Assessment Tool

Psychological Abuse Experienced in Groups Scale (PAEGS)

2017

Saldaña, O., Rodríguez-Carballeira, Á., Almendros, C., & Escartín, J.

Evaluation,Cults/High-Control, Abuse

Saldaña, O., Rodríguez-Carballeira, Á., Almendros, C., & Escartín, J. (2017). Development and validation of the psychological abuse experienced in groups scale. The European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context, 9(2), 57-64.

Journal Article

Psychological Trauma and Moral Injury in Religious Leaders During COVID-19

2020

Greene, T., Bloomfield, M., Bloomfield, M. A. P., & Billings, J.

Religious Leaders/Clergy,Moral Injury

Greene, T., Bloomfield, M., Bloomfield, M. A. P., & Billings, J. (2020). Psychological trauma and moral injury in religious leaders during COVID-19. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. 10.1037/tra0000641

Book

Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free

2018

Klein, L. K.

Purity Culture,Women,Sex/Sexuality

Klein, L. K. (2018). Pure : Inside the Evangelical movement that shamed a generation of young women and how I broke free. Touchstone.

Journal Article

Rebuilding a Full Life After Walking Away From Organized Religion

2025

Abramson, A.

Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Disaffiliation/Disidentification

Abramson, A. (2025, June 1). Rebuilding a full life after walking away from organized religion. Monitor on Psychology, 56(4). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/06/meaningful-life-after-religion

Book

Recovery from Cults: Help for Victims of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse

1993

Langone, M.

Cults/High-Control,Recovery,Treatment/Counseling

Langone, M. (1993) Recovery From Cults. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Journal Article

Relationships Between Childhood Interpersonal Trauma, Religious Coping, Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms, and Resilience

2021

Walker, H. E., Wamser‐Nanney, R., & Howell, K. H.

Recovery,Trauma,Developmental Trauma,Childhood Development

Walker, H. E., Wamser‐Nanney, R., & Howell, K. H. (2021). Relationships between childhood interpersonal trauma, religious coping, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and resilience. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 10.1177/0886260521991883

Journal Article

Religion and Child Abuse: Perfect Together

1992

Capps, D.

Parenting,Developmental Trauma, Abuse ,Childhood Development

Capps, D. (1992). Religion and child abuse: Perfect together. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 31(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.2307/1386828

Journal Article

Religious Complexity and Intergroup Bias

2020

Sharp, Shariff, & LaBouff

Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Biases

Sharp, C. A., Shariff, A. F., & LaBouff, J. P. (2020). Religious complexity and intergroup bias. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 30(2), 73-88.

Journal Article

Religious Fundamentalism: A Conceptual and Empirical Study Among Muslims of Turkish Origin in Germany

2024

Pollack, D., Müller, O., & Demmrich, S.

Fundamentalism

Pollack, D., Müller, O., & Demmrich, S. (2024) Religious Fundamentalism: A Conceptual and Empirical Study Among Muslims of Turkish Origin in Germany. Sociology of Religion. 10.1093/socrel/srae035. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/socrel/srae035

Journal Article

Religious Social Support, Discrimination, and Psychiatric Disorders Among Black Adolescents

2017

Hope, M. O., Assari, S., Cole-Lewis, Y. C., & Caldwell, C. H.

BIPOC,Religion/Spirituality,Adolescence,Culture/Community,Race & Racism

Hope, M. O., Assari, S., Cole-Lewis, Y. C., & Caldwell, C. H. (2017). Religious social support, discrimination, and psychiatric disorders among Black adolescents. Race and Social Problems, 9(2), 102-114. DOI: 10.1007/s12552-016-9192-7.

Thesis/Dissertation

Religious Trauma Healing through Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review

2025

Whitman, A. S.

Treatment/Counseling

Whitman, A. S. (2025) Religious Trauma Healing through Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review. Expressive Therapies Theses, 15. Obtained at digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/15.

Assessment Tool

Religious Trauma Inventory

2023

Miller, A. C.

Evaluation,Trauma

Miller, A. C. (2023) The Religious Trauma Inventory. Empathy Paradigm.

Journal Article

Religious Trauma Syndrome

2011

Winell, M.

Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Trauma,Recovery

Winell, M. (2011) Religious Trauma Syndrome. Series of 3 Articles in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Today.

Journal Article

Religious Trauma Syndrome: The Futile Fate of Faith

2024

Sumeet Singh, A.K. Yadav, V.S. Chauhan, Mohit Agrawal

Trauma,Religious/Spiritual Abuse

Singh, S., Yadav, A. K., Chauhan, V. S., & Agrawal, M. (2024). Religious trauma syndrome: The futile fate of faith. Industrial Psychiatry Journal. 10.4103/ipj.ipj_87_24

Journal Article

Religious Trauma and Moral Injury From LGBTQA+ Conversion Practices

2022

Jones, T., Power, J., & Jones, T.

Conversion Practices,LGBTQ,Moral Injury

Jones, T., Power, J., & Jones, T. (2022) Religious Trauma and Moral Injury From LGBTQA+ Conversion Practices. Social Science & Medicine.

Journal Article

Religious Trauma: Redefinition, Attachment Theory as a Conceptual Framework, and a Path Forward Utilizing Ecospirituality

2025

Farrell, S.

Attachment ,Religion/Spirituality

Farrell, S. (2025). Religious trauma: Redefinition, attachment theory as a conceptual framework, and a path forward utilizing Ecospirituality. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work. 1-14. 10.1080/15426432.2025.2520516.

Journal Article

Religious and Spiritual Struggles and Their Links to Psychological Adjustment

2022

Bockrath, J., Keon, K., & Hinton, J.

Psychology,Religious/Spiritual Abuse

Bockrath, J., Keon, K., & Hinton, J. (2022). Religious and spiritual struggles and their links to psychological adjustment. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.

Journal Article

Religious/Spiritual Abuse and Trauma: A Systematic Review of the Empirical Literature

2022

Ellis, A., Hunsinger, L., Copen, M., & Evans, J.

Abuse ,Trauma,Literature Review

Ellis, A., Hunsinger, L., Copen, M., & Evans, J. (2022). Religious/spiritual abuse and trauma: A systematic review of the empirical literature. Spirituality in Clinical Practice.

Journal Article

Religious/Spiritual Abuse, Meaning-Making, and Posttraumatic Growth

2024

Perry, S.

Abuse ,Trauma,Religion/Spirituality

Perry, S. (2024). Religious/Spiritual Abuse, Meaning-Making, and Posttraumatic Growth. Religions, 15(7), 824. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15070824

Journal Article

Religious/Spiritual Struggles and Mental Health Among Black Adolescents and Emerging Adults

2023

Parker, J., Purvis, L., & Williams, B.

Adolescence,BIPOC,Religion/Spirituality,Treatment/Counseling,Race & Racism

Parker, J., Purvis, L., & Williams, B. (2023) Religious/Spiritual Struggles and Mental Health Among Black Adolescents and Emerging Adults. Journal of Black Psychology.

Journal Article

Rituals as a Control Mechanism in Human Trafficking

2022

Chisholm, A., Mark, I., Unigwe, S., & Katona, C.

Control/Coercion,Rituals,Trafficking

Chisholm, A., Mark, I., Unigwe, S., & Katona, C. (2022). Rituals as a Control Mechanism in Human Trafficking. Journal of Human Trafficking.

Journal Article

Second-Generation Adult Former Cult Group Members’ Recovery Experiences: Implications for Counseling

2014

Matthews & Salazar

Cults/High-Control,Multigenerational,Recovery,Treatment/Counseling

Matthews, C. H., & Salazar, C. F. (2014). Second-generation adult former cult group members’ recovery experiences: Implications for counseling. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 36, 188-203.

Journal Article

Sexual Orientation Change Efforts, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Suicide Ideation and Attempt Among Sexual Minority Adults

2020

Blosnich, J. R., Marsiglio, M. C., & Ransford, H. E.

Sex/Sexuality,Conversion Practices,Suicide,LGBTQ

Blosnich, J. R., Marsiglio, M. C., & Ransford, H. E. (2020). Sexual orientation change efforts, adverse childhood experiences, and suicide ideation and attempt among sexual minority adults. American Journal of Public Health.

Journal Article

Spare the Rod or Spare the Child? Divergent Perspectives on Conservative Protestant Child Discipline

1995

Bartkowski, J. P.

Parenting,Developmental Trauma, Abuse ,Childhood Development

Bartkowski, J. P. (1995). Spare the rod..., or spare the child? Divergent perspectives on conservative Protestant child discipline. Review of Religious Research, 37(2), 97–116. https://doi.org/10.2307/3512395

Journal Article

Speaking With Us, Not For Us: Neurodiversity, Theology and Justice

2023

Jacobs, N.

Disability,Neurodivergence/Autism/ADHD,Theology

Jacobs, N. L. (2023). Speaking with us, not for us: Neurodiversity, theology and justice. Journal of Disability & Religion, 27(4), 584-605.

Assessment Tool

Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire (SAQ)

2016

Keller, K.

Evaluation,Religion/Spirituality,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Trauma

Keller, K. (2016) Doctoral Dissertation: “Development of a Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire”.