SUPPORT & RESOURCES
Resources for researchers
and academics
Resources for researchers & academics
Advancing the study of coercive influence
Understanding high-control groups and coercive influence requires interdisciplinary research, critical inquiry, and careful attention to nuance. Scholars from psychology, sociology, religious studies, political science, education, law, and media studies have all contributed to this evolving field.
ICSA supports academic work by providing access to peer-reviewed research, curated case studies, and opportunities for scholarly collaboration. We welcome diverse approaches and encourage rigorous analysis that furthers understanding, informs public discourse, and supports evidence-based policy and practice.
Key focus areas for research
Researchers may engage with a wide range of topics
Psychological, sociological, and neurological dimensions of influence and control
Identity formation and transformation within and after high-control environments
Group structure, leadership patterns, and methods of indoctrination
Experiences of exit, recovery, and reintegration
Legal and human rights implications
Experiences of exCrossit, recovery, and reintegration
ICSA OFFERS
Access academic and research resources
Peer-reviewed journals – including the International Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation (IJCAM)
Research archives – searchable repository of scholarly articles, papers, and case studies
Bibliographies and reading lists – foundational texts and current publications
Annotated case materials – for use in teaching, thesis development, or comparative analysis
Ethical considerations and interdisciplinary dialogue
We also promote dialogue across disciplines to:
- Deepen methodological approaches.
- Foster shared language around coercion and recovery.
- Challenge assumptions and refine definitions.
- Encourage critical examination of belief, identity, and autonomy.
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
ICSA Academic journal
The International Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation (IJCAM) is ICSA’s peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to the study of coercive control, cultic dynamics, psychological abuse, and related areas. It serves as a critical platform for advancing research, encouraging dialogue, and elevating scholarly voices in a field that has long been overlooked.
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
Connect and contribute
Join our monthly seminars
The ICSA Research Network hosts monthly online seminars for researchers and those exploring topics related to coercive influence and high-control environments. These sessions bring together a diverse international community in a respectful, collaborative space.
Submit a research contribution
Guidelines for academic submissions
Join our research network
Are you a cult-informed researcher?
Register your profile with us.
ICSA’s online library offers free access to academic articles, survivor narratives, conference talks, webinars, and curated resources for anyone seeking to understand high-control groups and coercive dynamics.