Researchers at the University of Lille are seeking participants for a study examining the psychological experiences of people exposed to group psychological abuse or cultic involvement. By comparing people who have and have not had these experiences, the study aims to better understand their potential psychological impact, including factors associated with difficulties, resilience, and recovery after leaving a group.About the study
Title: Research on psychological impacts following exposure to group psychological abuse
Lead researcher: Victor Laurent
Research team:
- Dr. Sylvain Delouvée, Postdoctoral Supervisor
- Dr. Thierry Kosinski, Postdoctoral Supervisor
- Dr. C. Creupelandt, Research Collaborator
- M. Onfray, Patient Partner involved in the research
Institution: University of Lille, France
Research ethics and participant information
The researchers have provided documentation relating to ethics approval and informed consent.
Because the study also recruits a control group of individuals who have not been exposed to group psychological abuse, the informed consent form is intentionally broad and describes the research as concerning psychological experiences following past group membership. When contacting organizations that may reach people who have experienced group psychological abuse, the researchers specify this particular focus of the study.
- Informed consent form
- IRB / ethics approval
What participation involves
Participation involves completing an online survey. The researchers aim to recruit:
- A minimum of 175 participants who have been exposed to psychological abuse within a group, as assessed using the Psychological Abuse Experienced in Groups Scale (PAEGS; Saldaña et al., 2017)
- An equal number of participants who have not been exposed to group psychological abuse
Why participate
By participating, individuals can contribute to research seeking to improve understanding of the psychological experiences associated with group psychological abuse and cultic involvement.
The researchers hope the findings will contribute to:
- Better understanding of factors associated with psychological difficulties and resilience
- Identifying areas of need and factors that may support recovery
- Informing future research and the development of more appropriate support for affected individuals
Who is eligible
The study is recruiting both:
- Individuals who have experienced psychological abuse within a group
- Individuals who have not experienced group psychological abuse, as part of the comparison group
Research background and impact
The researchers plan to disseminate the findings through scientific publications, oral presentations, and presentations to relevant organizations and professionals. Where possible, they will also engage with researchers, clinicians, and other relevant professionals to assess the practical, clinical, and scientific implications of the findings.
Previous and ongoing work includes:
Laurent, V., Roy, E., Delouvée, S., & Kosinski, T. (under review). Psychological experiences of individuals exposed to group psychological abuse: A scoping review. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma.
Laurent, V., Kosinski, T., & Delouvée, S. (under review). Psychological experiences and support factors following cultic involvement: A reflexive thematic analysis. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma.
How to participate
Access the survey online:
Complete the survey in English
Complete the survey in French
Contact
For questions or more information:
Victor Laurent
University of Lille, France
Email: victor.laurent@univ-lille.fr
A note for potential research participants
Before deciding whether to participate in any research study, including studies not shared by ICSA, we encourage you to review the information provided and consider:
- Is the study affiliated with a reputable university, research institution, or other appropriate organization?
- Has the study received appropriate ethical or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval?
- Are the purpose of the research and what participation involves clearly explained?
- Are confidentiality, data use, potential risks, and your rights as a participant clearly addressed?
- Does the researcher or supervising researcher have relevant expertise?
- Do you feel comfortable with what you are being asked to discuss or disclose?
Research participation should be voluntary. Review the study’s consent information carefully, including your right to skip questions or withdraw from the research and any limitations that may apply. Research involving experiences of coercion, abuse, or trauma may also bring up difficult emotions or memories, so we encourage you to consider your own wellbeing when deciding whether to participate.
If you have questions or concerns about a study, contact the research team or the relevant institutional ethics or IRB office before participating.
Disclaimer
ICSA’s Research Committee reviews research participation requests before sharing them with our community. In doing so, the Committee considers factors such as the study’s relevance to the field, institutional affiliation, ethical approval, researcher expertise, and potential contribution to research and practice.
Sharing a research opportunity does not constitute an endorsement of the study, its methodology, or its findings. ICSA Board members, staff, and volunteers may not be familiar with all aspects of the research. Responsibility for the conduct of the study rests with the researchers and institutions identified in the study information.
