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RELIGIOUS TRAUMA

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SPIRITUAL ABUSE

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CULT RECOVERY

RESEARCH SOURCES

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Year
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A National Study of Adult Women Sexually Abused by Clergy: Insights for Social Workers
Journal Article
Pooler, D., & Barros-Lane, L.
2022
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.
Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Within a Religious Context
Journal Article
Levitt, H., Horne, S., Wheeler, E., & Wang, M.
2015
Abuse ,Domestic/Interpersonal Violence
Levitt, H., Horne, S., Wheeler, E., & Wang, M. (2015) Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Within a Religious Context. Spiritually Oriented Psychotherapy for Trauma.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Religious/Spiritual Struggles, and Mental Health Symptoms
Journal Article
McCormick, W., Carroll, T., Sims, B., & Currier, J.
2017
Children/Childhood,Health,Symptoms
McCormick, W., Carroll, T., Sims, B., & Currier, J. (2017) Adverse Childhood Experiences, Religious/Spiritual Struggles, and Mental Health Symptoms. Mental Health, Religion & Culture.
Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People in Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People
Book
Ginicola, M., Filmore, J., Stokes, M., & Smith, C.
2017
LGBTQ, Affirming ,Counseling/Therapy
Ginicola, M., Filmore, J., Stokes, M., & Smith, C. (2017) Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People in Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People.
An Exploratory Study on Mental Health, Social Problems & Spiritual Damage in Victims of Child Sexual Abuse by Catholic Clergy and Other Perpetrators
Journal Article
Pereda, N., Guilera, G., Forns, M., & Gómez-Benito, J.
2022
Sexual Abuse,Children/Childhood,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.
An Update on the Dissociative Experiences Scale
Journal Article
Carlson, E. & Putnam, F.
1993
Dissociation,Assessment/Questionnaire,Treatment
Carlson, E. & Putnam, F. (1993) An Update on the Dissociative Experiences Scale.
Approaches to Understanding and Aligning with Religious Leaders
Journal Article
McLaughlin, et al.
2022
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.
Associations of Childhood Trauma Experiences with Religious and Spiritual Struggles
Journal Article
Janů, A., Maliňáková, K., Malinakova, K., Kosarkova, A., & Tavel, P.
2020
Children/Childhood,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
Attachment Theory and Religion
Journal Article
Cherniak, M., Thiemann, P., & Mackay, D.
2021
Attachment
Cherniak, M., Thiemann, P., & Mackay, D. (2021). Attachment theory and religion. Current Opinion in Psychology.
Being In-Between: Exploring Former Cult Members' Experiences of an Acculturation Process Using the Cultural Formulation Interview
Journal Article
Hadding, R., Murray, J., & Wodarski, J
2023
Cults,Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Culture,Recovery
Hadding, R., Murray, J., & Wodarski, J. (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.
Betrayed by the Divine and Overlooked by Scholarship: An Inquiry into Spiritual Abuse and Religious Trauma
Journal Article
Bisantz, L.
2023
Betrayal ,Racism,BIPOC
Bisantz, L. (2023) Betrayed by the Divine and Overlooked by Scholarship: An Inquiry into Spiritual Abuse and Religious Trauma. University of Colorado Honors Journal.
Beyond PTSD: A Multi-Case Study Exploring Identity, Moral Injury, and Spiritual Injury
Journal Article
Grimell, J. & Atuel, H.
2023
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.
Bodily Maps of Emotions
Journal Article
Nummenmaa, et al.
2014
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.
Child Sexual Abuse in Protestant Christian Congregations: A Descriptive Analysis of Offense and Offender Characteristics
Journal Article
Denney, A., Kerley, K., & Gross, N.
2018
Sexual Abuse,Children/Childhood,Christianity
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.
Christian Shame and Religious Trauma
Journal Article
Downie, A.
2022
Christianity,Shame,Trauma
Downie, A. (2022) Christian Shame and Religious Trauma. Religions.
Clinical Considerations of the Evangelical Purity Movement's Impact on Female Sexuality
Journal Article
Estrada, L. L.
2022
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
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Journal Article
Kar, N.
2011
Cognitive,PTSD/CPTSD,Treatment
Kar, N. (2011) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Neuropsychiatry Dis Treatment.
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma
Book
Walker, P.
2013
PTSD/CPTSD,Children/Childhood,Development,Recovery
Walker, P. (2013) Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma.
Congregations in 21st Century America
Book
Chaves, M., & Lehrer, E. L.
2021
Religion/Spirituality,Culture,Prevalence/Statistics
Chaves, M., & Lehrer, E. L. (2021). Congregations in 21st century America. Department of Sociology, Duke University.
Consequences of Abuse by Religious Authorities
Journal Article
McGraw, C. & Pargament, K.
2019
Abuse , Authority ,Religious Leaders/Clergy
McGraw, C., & Pargament, K. I. (2019). Consequences of abuse by religious authorities. Traumatology.
Construction and Validation of a Muslim Religious Trauma Scale
Journal Article
Üzeyir Ok, Ayşe Burcu Gören, Çiğdem Gülmez
2024
Assessment/Questionnaire,Muslim
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
Contemporary Review of Empirical and Clinical Studies of Trauma Bonding in Violent or Exploitative Relationships
Journal Article
Reid, J. A., Haskell, R. A., Dillahunt-Aspillaga, C., & Thor, J. A.
2013
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.
Cult Conversion from the Perspective of Families: Implications for Prevention and Psychological Intervention
Journal Article
Castaño, Á., Bélanger, J., & Moyano, M.
2022
Conversion Practices,Cults,Family,Treatment
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.
Cult Recovery: A Clinician's Guide to Working with Former Members and Families
Book
Lorna Goldberg, William Goldberg, Rosanne Henry, Michael Langone
2017
Cults,Recovery,Counseling/Therapy,Treatment
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.
Cultic Abuse Recovery: Counseling Considerations
Journal Article
Oblak, R.
2019
Abuse ,Treatment,Cults,Recovery
Oblak, R. (2019) Cultic Abuse Recovery: Counseling Considerations. International Journal of Cultic Studies.
Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Intervention in Faith Communities
Journal Article
Igwe, E., Peter-Anyebe, A. & Agama, O
2025
Domestic/Interpersonal Violence,Religious Leaders/Clergy,Treatment
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.
Dealing With the Trauma of Leaving Religion Behind
Journal Article
Winzenried, C.
2022
Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Trauma
Winzenried, C. (2022) Dealing With the Trauma of Leaving Religion Behind. The Australian Humanist.
Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself
Book
Herrington, A. J.
2024
Deconstruction,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Identity
Herrington, A. J. (2024). Deconstructing your faith without losing yourself. Grand Rapids, Michigan, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Development and Evaluation of the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale-5 (RSS-5)
Journal Article
Salcone, S., Currier, J., Mcdermott, R., Davis, D., Raines, A., Lee, Y., Exline, J. & Pargament, K.
2025
Assessment/Questionnaire,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.
Development and Validation of the Psychological Abuse Experienced in Groups Scale (PAEGS)
Journal Article
Saldaña, O., Rodríguez-Carballeira, Á., Almendros, C., & Escartín, J.
2017
Assessment/Questionnaire,Cults, 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.
Development of a Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire
Journal Article
Keller, K.
2016
Abuse ,Assessment/Questionnaire,Religion/Spirituality
Keller, K. (2016). Development of a spiritual abuse questionnaire (Doctoral dissertation). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Development of the Spiritual Harm and Abuse Scale
Journal Article
Koch, D. & Edstrom, L.
2022
Abuse ,Religion/Spirituality,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Assessment/Questionnaire
Koch, D. & Edstrom, L. (2022) Development of the Spiritual Harm and Abuse Scale, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.
Disidentification (As a Survival Strategy for Religious Trauma)
Book
Ramler, M. E.
2022
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.
Distorting Concepts, Obscured Experiences: Hermeneutical Injustice in Religious Trauma and Spiritual Violence
Journal Article
Panchuk, M.
2020
Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Religion/Spirituality,Trauma,Violence
Panchuk, M. (2020) Distorting Concepts, Obscured Experiences: Hermeneutical Injustice in Religious Trauma and Spiritual Violence. Hypatia.
Evaluation of the FICA Tool for Spiritual Assessment
Journal Article
Borneman T., Ferrell B., & Puchalski, C.
2010
Religion/Spirituality,Assessment/Questionnaire,Counseling/Therapy
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.
Examining Religious Disaffiliation Through a Family Systems Lens: Implications for Treatment
Journal Article
Knight, A., Esmiol Wilson, E., Ward, D., & Nice, L.
2019
Disaffiliation/Disidentification,Family,Treatment
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.
Exploring Black Clergy Perspectives on Religious/Spiritual Related Domestic Violence
Journal Article
Davis, M. & Johnson, M.
2021
BIPOC,Domestic/Interpersonal Violence,Religious Leaders/Clergy
Davis, M. & Johnson, M. (2021) Exploring Black Clergy Perspectives on Religious/Spiritual Related Domestic Violence. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma.
Exploring Relationships Between Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder, Sex Guilt, and Religiosity Among College Women in the U.S
Journal Article
Azim, F., Ginsberg, N., Becker, B., & Scheffler, K.
2021
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.
Exploring Self-Disclosure Between the Survivor-Therapist and Survivor-Clients
Journal Article
Bainbridge, A.
2022
Self-Disclosure,Treatment,Recovery,Counseling/Therapy
Bainbridge, A. (2022) Exploring Self-Disclosure Between the Survivor-Therapist and Survivor-Clients. Counseling and Psychotherapy Research.
Failure to Escape Traumatic Shock
Journal Article
Seligman, M. & Maier, S.
1967
Trauma, Learned Helplessness
Seligman, M. & Maier, S. (1967) Failure to Escape Traumatic Shock. Journal of Experimental Psychology.
FICA Spiritual History Tool: A Guide for Spiritual Assessment in Clinical Settings
Assessment Tool
Puchalski, C.
2025
Assessment/Questionnaire,Religion/Spirituality
Puchalski, C. (2025) FICA Spiritual History Tool: A Guide for Spiritual Assessment in Clinical Settings. The GW Institute for Spirituality & Health.
Gender and Domestic Abuse Victimisation Among Churchgoers in North West England
Journal Article
Barnes, R., & Aune, K.
2021
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.
General Principles for a Social Learning Framework of Personality Study
Journal Article
Rotter, J.
1954
Social,Personality,Identity
Rotter, J. (1954) General Principles for a Social Learning Framework of Personality Study.
Holding Bishops Accountable: How Lawsuits Helped the Catholic Church Confront Clergy Sexual Abuse
Journal Article
Lytton, T. D.
2008
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.
I Feel Like God Doesn’t Like Me: Faith and Ambiguous Loss Among Transgender Youth
Journal Article
Okrey Anderson, S., & Mcguire, J.
2021
LGBTQ,Transgender,Youth,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.
Identifying Systemic Factors When Counseling Black Women of Christian Faith in the USA
Journal Article
Harper, S., McCarthy, M., & Samuelsen, K.
2023
BIPOC,Women,Christianity,Counseling/Therapy
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.
Identifying Well‐Being Profiles and Resilience Characteristics in Ex‐Members of Fundamentalist Christian Faith Communities
Journal Article
Thoma, C., Fruits, E., & Eisenberg, M.
2022
Fundamentalism,Deconstruction,Assessment/Questionnaire
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.
Improved Treatment for Developmental Trauma
Journal Article
Abrams, Z.
2021
Treatment,Development,Children/Childhood
Abrams, Z. (2021) Improved Treatment for Developmental Trauma. Monitor on Psychology.
Intergenerational Transmission of Religious Trauma Manifestations, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications
Journal Article
Pazer, S.
2024
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.
Internal Family Systems Therapy with Victims of Religious Trauma: Efficacy in Treating Trauma Symptoms and Impact on the Desire to Engage with Spirituality
Journal Article
Zhao, R.
2022
Treatment,IFS,Counseling/Therapy,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.
Inventory of Complicated Spiritual Grief (ICSG) 2.0
Journal Article
Burke, L. A., Crunk, A. E., Neimeyer, R. A., & Bai, H.
2019
Assessment/Questionnaire,Grief,Treatment
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.
Leaving a Covenantal Religion: Orthodox Jewish Disaffiliation From an Immigration Psychology Perspective
Journal Article
Engelman, et al.
2020
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.
Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion.
Book
Winell, M. & Allen, S.
2016
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.
Living Between Two Different Worlds: Experiences of Leaving a High-Cost Religious Group
Journal Article
Björkmark, M., Nynäs, P., & Koskinen, C.
2022
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.
Long-Term Effects of a Cult Childhood on Attachment, Intimacy, and Close Relationships
Journal Article
Kern, C. & Jungbauer, J.
2022
Attachment ,Children/Childhood,Cults,Relationships
Kern, C. & Jungbauer, J. (2022) Long-Term Effects of a Cult Childhood on Attachment, Intimacy, and Close Relationships. Clinical Social Work Journal.
Lost Saints: Desacralization, Spiritual Abuse, and Magic Mushrooms
Journal Article
Lutkajtis, A.
2022
Abuse ,Desacralization,Religion/Spirituality
Lutkajtis, A. (2022) Lost Saints: Desacralization, Spiritual Abuse, and Magic Mushrooms. Fieldwork in Religion, 14(2).
Mechanisms of Religious Trauma Amongst Queer People in Australia’s Evangelical Churches
Journal Article
Hollier, J., Clifton, S., & Smith-Merry, J.
2022
Religion/Spirituality,Trauma,LGBTQ,Evangelicalism
Hollier, J., Clifton, S., & Smith-Merry, J. (2022) Mechanisms of Religious Trauma Amongst Queer People in Australia’s Evangelical Churches. Clinical Social Work Journal.
My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church
Book
Kenny, A.
2022
Health,Disability,Religious/Spiritual Abuse, Abuse
Kenny, A. (2022) My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church.
Navigating Potentially Traumatic Conservative Religious Environments as a Sexual/Gender Minority
Journal Article
Lefevor, G., Huffman, C., & Blaber, I.
2021
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.
No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model
Book
Richard Schwartz
2021
Counseling/Therapy,Treatment
Schwartz, R. (2021) No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Sounds True.
Percentage of U.S. Adults Suffering from Religious Trauma: A Sociological Study
Journal Article
Slade, D, Smell, A., Wilson, E. & Drumsta, R.
2023
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.
Personality Disorder, Sun Myung Moon, and its Legacy in the Unification
Journal Article
Sälzer, M., & Jungbauer, J.
2023
Sex/Sexuality,Cults,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, 7, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.54208/1000/0007/001
Power and Control Wheel: The Duluth Model
Educational Tool
Domestic Abuse Intervention Project
1993
Abuse ,Domestic/Interpersonal Violence
Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (1993) Power and Control Wheel; The Duluth Model.
Prevalence of Sexual Pain Among Cisgender Muslim Women in North America
Journal Article
Rahman, S., McGowan, K., Sun, C., & Durrant, H.
2023
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.
Protecting the Sacred Tree: Conceptualizing Spiritual Abuse Against Native American Elders
Journal Article
Gray, J.
2022
Abuse ,Indigenous,Religion/Spirituality
Gray, J. (2022) Protecting the Sacred Tree: Conceptualizing Spiritual Abuse Against Native American Elders. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.
Psychological Abuse Experienced in Groups Scale (PAEGS)
Assessment Tool
Saldaña, O., Rodríguez-Carballeira, Á., Almendros, C., & Escartín, J.
2017
Assessment/Questionnaire,Cults, 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.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Iub4w81s6wr7CopvMGdC-NVPnomHe1yL/view?usp=sharing
Psychological Trauma and Moral Injury in Religious Leaders During COVID-19
Journal Article
Greene, T., Bloomfield, M., Bloomfield, M. A. P., & Billings, J.
2020
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
Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free
Book
Klein, L. K.
2018
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.
Rebuilding a Full Life After Walking Away From Organized Religion
Journal Article
Abramson, A.
2025
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
Recovery From Cults
Book
Langone, M.
1993
Cults,Recovery,Treatment
Langone, M. (1993) Recovery From Cults. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
Relationships Between Childhood Interpersonal Trauma, Religious Coping, Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms, and Resilience
Journal Article
Walker, H. E., Wamser‐Nanney, R., & Howell, K. H.
2021
Coping,Trauma,Children/Childhood
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
Religious and Spiritual Struggles and Their Links to Psychological Adjustment
Journal Article
Bockrath, J., Keon, K., & Hinton, J.
2022
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.
Religious Complexity and Intergroup Bias
Journal Article
Sharp, Shariff, & LaBouff
2020
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.
Religious Trauma and Moral Injury From LGBTQA+ Conversion Practices
Journal Article
Jones, T., Power, J., & Jones, T.
2022
Conversion Practices,LGBTQ,Moral Injury
Jones, T., Power, J., & Jones, T. (2022) Religious Trauma and Moral Injury From LGBTQA+ Conversion Practices. Social Science & Medicine.
Religious Trauma Healing through Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review
Thesis
Whitman, A. S.
2025
Counseling/Therapy,Treatment
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.
Religious Trauma Inventory
Assessment Tool
Miller, A. C.
2023
Assessment/Questionnaire,Trauma
Miller, A. C. (2023) The Religious Trauma Inventory. Empathy Paradigm.
https://www.empathyparadigm.com/inventory
Religious Trauma Syndrome
Journal Article
Winell, M.
2011
Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Trauma,Recovery
Winell, M. (2011) Religious Trauma Syndrome. Series of 3 Articles in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Today.
Religious Trauma Syndrome: The Futile Fate of Faith
Journal Article
Sumeet Singh, A.K. Yadav, V.S. Chauhan, Mohit Agrawal
2024
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
Religious Trauma: Redefinition, Attachment Theory as a Conceptual Framework, and a Path Forward Utilizing Ecospirituality
Journal Article
Farrell, S.
2025
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.
Religious/Spiritual Abuse and Trauma: A Systematic Review of the Empirical Literature
Journal Article
Ellis, A., Hunsinger, L., Copen, M., & Evans, J.
2022
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.
Religious/Spiritual Struggles and Mental Health Among Black Adolescents and Emerging Adults
Journal Article
Parker, J., Purvis, L., & Williams, B.
2023
Youth,BIPOC,Religion/Spirituality,Treatment
Parker, J., Purvis, L., & Williams, B. (2023) Religious/Spiritual Struggles and Mental Health Among Black Adolescents and Emerging Adults. Journal of Black Psychology.
Representing & Supporting Autistic/Neurodivergent Cult Survivors
Educational Tool
Eyles, P.
2022
Neurodivergence/Autism/ADHD,Cults
Eyles, P. (2022) Representing & Supporting Autistic/Neurodivergent Cult Survivors. Presentation for Audecademy.
Rituals as a Control Mechanism in Human Trafficking
Journal Article
Chisholm, A., Mark, I., Unigwe, S., & Katona, C.
2022
Control/Influence,Rituals,Trafficking
Chisholm, A., Mark, I., Unigwe, S., & Katona, C. (2022). Rituals as a Control Mechanism in Human Trafficking. Journal of Human Trafficking.
Second-Generation Adult Former Cult Group Members’ Recovery Experiences: Implications for Counseling
Journal Article
Matthews & Salazar
2014
Cults,Multigenerational,Recovery,Counseling/Therapy
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.
Sexual Orientation Change Efforts, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Suicide Ideation and Attempt Among Sexual Minority Adults
Journal Article
Blosnich, J. R., Marsiglio, M. C., & Ransford, H. E.
2020
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.
Speaking With Us, Not For Us: Neurodiversity, Theology and Justice
Journal Article
Jacobs, N.
2023
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.
Spiritual Abuse and Gender-Based Violence
Book
Tomalin, E.
2023
Abuse ,Gender,Violence,Religious/Spiritual Abuse
Tomalin, E. (2023). Spiritual abuse and gender-based violence. In P. Ali & M. M. Rogers (Eds.) Gender-Based Violence: A Comprehensive Guide (pp. 323-334). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire (SAQ)
Assessment Tool
Keller, K.
2016
Assessment/Questionnaire,Religion/Spirituality,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Trauma
Keller, K. (2016) Doctoral Dissertation: “Development of a Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire”.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWFVfCSgEa-G5OMquMBryCO7AZvLgKlh/view?usp=sharing
Spiritual and Religious Competencies in Psychology
Journal Article
Vieten, C & Lukoff, D.
2022
Treatment,Psychology,Religion/Spirituality
Vieten, C & Lukoff, D. (2022) Spiritual and Religious Competencies in Psychology. The American Psychologist.
Spiritual Harm & Abuse Scale (SHAS)
Assessment Tool
Koch, D.
2022
Assessment/Questionnaire,Religion/Spirituality,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Recovery
Koch, D. (2022) Spiritual Harm & Abuse Scale (SHAS) Clinical Screener.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RtWl0wDowcnuc_3rka9kO9p0AZ749OsJ/view?usp=drive_link
Spiritual Issues in Psychotherapy
Journal Article
Vaughan, F.
1991
Recovery,Treatment,Religion/Spirituality
Vaughan, F. (1991) Spiritual Issues in Psychotherapy. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology.
Spiritual Trauma as a Manifestation of Religious and Spiritual Struggles in Female Victims of Sexual Abuse
Journal Article
Prusak, J. & Schab, A.
2022
Abuse ,Women,Sexual Abuse,Religion/Spirituality
Prusak, J. & Schab, A. (2022) Spiritual Trauma as a Manifestation of Religious and Spiritual Struggles in Female Victims of Sexual Abuse in Adolescence or Young Adulthood in the Catholic Church in Poland. Archive for the Psychology of Religion.
Spirituality and Trauma
Journal Article
Larsen, S. E., Hopkins, S., & Harris, I.
2025
Treatment,Assessment/Questionnaire,Counseling/Therapy
Larsen, S. E., Hopkins, S., & Harris, I. (n.d.). Spirituality and trauma. National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/spirituality_trauma.asp
Spirituality, Religion, and Complex Developmental Trauma
Book
Van Deusen, S. & Courtois, C.
2015
PTSD/CPTSD,Development,Children/Childhood,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Religion/Spirituality,Trauma
Van Deusen, S., & Courtois, C. A. (2015). Spirituality, religion, and complex developmental trauma. In D. F. Walker, C. A. Courtois, & J. D. Aten (Eds.), Spiritually oriented psychotherapy for trauma (pp. 29–54). American Psychological Association.
Spirituality: The Search for the Sacred
Journal Article
Pargament, K. & Mahoney, A.
2012
Religion/Spirituality
Pargament, K. & Mahoney, A. (2012) Spirituality: The Search for the Sacred. The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology.
Stages of Change Model
Journal Article
Prochaska, J. & Norcross, J.
2002
Change,Assessment/Questionnaire
Prochaska, J. & Norcross, J. (2002). Stages of Change. Psychotherapy Relationships That Work: Therapist Contributions and Responsiveness to Patients (pp. 303–313).
The Anatomy of Undue Influence Used by Terrorist Cults and Traffickers to Induce Helplessness and Trauma
Journal Article
Hassan, S. & Shah, M.
2019
Cults,Control/Influence,Trauma
Hassan, S. & Shah, M. (2019) The Anatomy of Undue Influence Used by Terrorist Cults and Traffickers to Induce Helplessness and Trauma. Ethics, Medicine and Public Health.
The Battered Woman Syndrome
Book
Walker, L.
2017
Women,Violence,Trauma, Abuse
Walker, L. (2017) The Battered Woman Syndrome. Fourth Edition.
The BITE Model of Authoritarian Control
Journal Article
Hassan, S.
2021
Authoritarianism,Brainwashing,Control/Influence
Hassan, S. (2021) The BITE Model of Authoritarian Control: Undue Influence, Thought Reform, Brainwashing, Mind Control, Trafficking, and the Law. Dissertation.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Book
Van der Kolk, B.
2014
Body ,Recovery,Somatic
Van der Kolk, B. (2014) The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing
Book
Perry, B. & Szalavitz, M.
2007
Children/Childhood,Development,Trauma
Perry, B. & Szalavitz, M. (2007) The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing.
The Drama Triangle: Fairy Tales and Script Drama Analysis
Journal Article
Karpman, S.
1968
Relationships,Counseling/Therapy
Karpman, S. (1968) The Drama Triangle: Fairy Tales and Script Drama Analysis. Transactional Analysis Bulletin.
The Effect of Trauma on Religious Beliefs: A Structured Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal Article
Leo, D., Izadikhah, Z., Fein, E. C., & Forooshani, S. A.
2019
Trauma,Literature Review
Leo, D., Izadikhah, Z., Fein, E. C., & Forooshani, S. A. (2019). The effect of trauma on religious beliefs: A structured literature review and meta-analysis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. 10.1177/1524838019834076
The Grooming of Children for Sexual Abuse in Religious Settings: Unique Characteristics and Select Case Studies
Journal Article
Raine, S. & Kent, S.
2019
Children/Childhood, Abuse ,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Sexual Abuse
Raine, S. & Kent, S. (2019) The Grooming of Children for Sexual Abuse in Religious Settings: Unique Characteristics and Select Case Studies. Aggression and Violent Behavior.
The Lived Experience of Spiritual Abuse, Mental Health, Religion & Culture
Journal Article
Ward, D.
2011
Abuse ,Religious/Spiritual Abuse,Religion/Spirituality,Trauma
Ward, D. (2011) The Lived Experience of Spiritual Abuse, Mental Health, Religion & Culture.
The Loss of the Self: Spiritual Abuse of Adults in the Context of the Catholic Church
Journal Article
Demasure, K.
2022
Abuse ,Catholic,Religion/Spirituality
Demasure, K. (2022). The Loss of the Self: Spiritual Abuse of Adults in the Context of the Catholic Church. Religions.
The Narcissistic Messiah: Personality Disorder, Sun Myung Moon, and its Legacy in the Unification Church
Journal Article
Kent, S. A., & Willey, R.
2025
Narcissism,Cults
Kent, S. A., & Willey, R. (2025). The narcissistic messiah: Personality disorder, Sun Myung Moon, and its legacy in the Unification Church. International Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation, 8, 31–43. https://doi.org/10.54208/1000/0008/003
The Only Way Out is Through: The Peril of Spiritual Bypass
Journal Article
Cashwell, C., Bentley, D., & Yarborough, P.
2007
Bypassing,Religion/Spirituality
Cashwell, C., Bentley, D., & Yarborough, P. (2007) The Only Way Out is Through: The Peril of Spiritual Bypass. Counseling and Values.
The Sexual Abuse of Male Children by Church Personnel: Intervention and Prevention
Journal Article
Isely, P. J. & Isely, P.
1990
Sexual Abuse,Children/Childhood,Religious Leaders/Clergy
Isely, P. J., & Isely, P. (1990). The sexual abuse of male children by church personnel: Intervention and prevention. Pastoral Psychology, 39(2), 85-99.
The Social Psychology of Religion
Book
Argyle, M. & Beit-Hallahmi, B.
2013
Psychology,Religious/Spiritual Abuse
Argyle, M. & Beit-Hallahmi, B. (2013) The Social Psychology of Religion. Psychology Revivals.
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse
Book
Johnson, D. & VanVonderen, J.
2005
Abuse ,Power,Religion/Spirituality
Johnson, D. & VanVonderen, J. (2005) The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse.
Therapeutic Considerations in the Treatment Religious Trauma
Thesis
Doll, B. R.
2022
Treatment,Counseling/Therapy
Doll, B. R. (2022). Therapeutic Considerations in the Treatment Religious Trauma. California Southern University.
Therapeutic Implications of Religious-Related Emotional Abuse
Journal Article
Novšak, R., Mandelj, T., & Simonič, B.
2012
Trauma,Treatment,Counseling/Therapy
Novšak, R., Mandelj, T., & Simonič, B. (2012) Therapeutic Implications of Religious-Related Emotional Abuse. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma.
Thou Shalt Not: Treating Religious Trauma and Spiritual Harm With Combined Therapy
Journal Article
Stone, A.
2013
Treatment,Counseling/Therapy
Stone, A. (2013) Thou Shalt Not: Treating Religious Trauma and Spiritual Harm With Combined Therapy. Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society.
Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of Brainwashing in China
Book
Lifton, R.
1961
Brainwashing,Control/Influence
Lifton, R. (1961) Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of Brainwashing in China.
Timeline of Religious Trauma Awareness (Grapic)
Educational Tool
Peck, B.
2022
Religion/Spirituality,Timeline,Trauma
Peck, B. (2022) Timeline of Religious Trauma Awareness (Graphic).
Toward a Psychology of Awakening: Buddhism, Psychotherapy and the Path of Personal and Spiritual Transformation
Book
Wellwood, J.
2002
Religion/Spirituality,Bypassing,Psychology
Welwood, J. (2002). Toward a psychology of awakening: Buddhism, psychotherapy, and the path of personal and spiritual transformation. Shambhala Publications.
Trauma and Recovery: From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror
Book
Herman, J.
1993
Abuse ,Domestic/Interpersonal Violence,Politics,Recovery,Trauma
Herman, J. (1993) Trauma and Recovery: From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror.
UK Victim-Survivor Experiences of Intimate Partner
Journal Article
Mulvihill, N.
2022
Domestic/Interpersonal Violence, Abuse ,Violence,Victimization
Mulvihill, N. (2022) UK Victim-Survivor Experiences of Intimate Partner. Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Understanding Reproductive Coercion in Cults and Destructive Group Settings
Journal Article
Weltz, A., Dubrow-Marshall, L., Dubrow-Marshall, R.
2025
Women,Cults,Coercion,Control/Influence
Weltz, A., Dubrow-Marshall, L., & Dubrow-Marshall, R. (2025). Understanding reproductive coercion in cults and destructive group settings. International Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation, 8, 148–175. https://doi.org/10.54208/1000/0008/008
Understanding the Role of Religious and Spiritual Interventions on Healing of Psychological Traumas: A Qualitative Overview
Journal Article
Asgari, Z. & Aghajani, A.
2025
Recovery,Religion/Spirituality,Trauma
Asgari, Z. & Aghajani, A. (2025). Understanding the Role of Religious and Spiritual Interventions on Healing of Psychological Traumas: A Qualitative Overview. Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences. 10.22062/jqr.2025.200521.1502.
Understanding the Traumatic Narcissism Theory and its Clinical Utility
Journal Article
Shaw, D
2025
Narcissism, Abuse ,Treatment
Shaw, D. (2025). Understanding the traumatic narcissism theory and its clinical utility. International Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation, 8, 81–92. https://doi.org/10.54208/1000/0008/005
Unheard Voices: Sexually Intimate Relations of Women in Guangzhou, China, and Relationship to Cults
Journal Article
Whitsett, D., Land, H., Pei, Y., & Brooks, D.
2023
Cults,Women,Sex/Sexuality
Whitsett, D., Land, H., Pei, Y., & Brooks, D. (2023). Unheard voices: Sexually intimate relations of women in Guangzhou, China, and relationship to cults. International Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation, 7, 1-28. https://doi.org/10.54208/1000/0007/002
Use of Religious and Spiritual Responses After Trauma to Prevent Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Suicidality: The Role of Meaning in Life
Journal Article
Sinnott, S., Park, C. L., George, J. R., Gnall, K. E., & David, A. B.
2023
Trauma,Religion/Spirituality,Treatment
Sinnott, S., Park, C. L., George, J. R., Gnall, K. E., & David, A. B. (2023). Use of religious and spiritual responses after trauma to prevent posttraumatic stress symptoms and suicidality: The role of meaning in life. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. 10.1002/cpp.2902
Using EMDR With Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Journal Article
Farrell, et al.
2010
Sexual Abuse,EMDR,Counseling/Therapy
Farrell, D., Dworkin, M., Keenan, P., & Spierings, J. (2010). Using EMDR with survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by Roman Catholic priests. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 4(3), 124-133.
Victims Are Not Guilty: Spiritual Abuse and Eccleasiastical Responsibility
Journal Article
Farrell, D., Dworkin, M., Keenan, P., & Spierings, J.
2022
Sexual Abuse,Religious Leaders/Clergy
Fernandez, F (2022) Victims Are Not Guilty: Spiritual Abuse and Eccleasiastical Responsibility. Religions.
Vulnerability, Vulnerability, Vulnerance and Resilience: Spiritual Abuse and Sexual Violence in New Spiritual Communities
Journal Article
Keul, H.
2022
Sexual Abuse,Violence,Religious/Spiritual Abuse
Keul, H. (2022) Vulnerability, Vulnerability, Vulnerance and Resilience: Spiritual Abuse and Sexual Violence in New Spiritual Communities. Religions.
Walking Free From the Trauma of Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse: A Workbook for Recovery and Growth
Book
Jenkinson, G.
2023
Coercion,Cults,Recovery
Jenkinson, G. (2023) Walking Free From the Trauma of Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse: A Workbook for Recovery and Growth.
What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy? Definition, Techniques, and Efficacy
Educational Tool
Marschall, A.
2024
Counseling/Therapy,Trauma,Treatment
Marschall, A. (2024) What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy? Definition, Techniques, and Efficacy. VeryWellMind Blog Post.
When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse
Book
DeGroat, C. & Mouw, R.
2020
Narcissism,Religious Leaders/Clergy,Religious/Spiritual Abuse
DeGroat, C. & Mouw, R. (2020) When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.
When Religion Hurts: Supervising Cases of Religious Abuse
Journal Article
Cashwell, C. & Swindle, P.
2018
Supervision,Counseling/Therapy,Religious/Spiritual Abuse
Cashwell, C. & Swindle, P. (2018) When Religion Hurts: Supervising Cases of Religious Abuse. The Clinical Supervisor.
White Jesus: The Architecture of Racism in Religion and Education
Journal Article
Iluzada, C.
2021
Racism,BIPOC,Religion/Spirituality
Iluzada, C. (2021). White Jesus: The architecture of racism in religion and education. International Journal of Christianity & Education, 25(3), 365-367.
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