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How to Participate

There are two ways you can take part in The Mandated Shunning Research Project. You can choose to complete an anonymous online survey, or you may be eligible to take part in a confidential interview. Both options are voluntary, and you can participate in either or both if eligible.

Your contribution helps build the first evidence base on the psychological and social impact of mandated shunning in high-control religious groups.

Participate Safely and Confidentially

Anonymous Survey

Our survey is designed for people who have experienced mandated shunning, or a similar form of exclusion, from a high-control faith-based community.

We understand that some people may not be sure whether what they went through "counts" as mandated shunning. If you were pressured or forced to cut ties with others or were cut off yourself after leaving or questioning a religious group, this survey may be for you.

You can take part if you:

Are 18 years or older
Are a former member of a faith-based group known to practice mandated shunning
Have personally experienced being shunned (formally or informally)
Were shunned at least 7 months ago
Are proficient in spoken English
The survey takes around 40 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace. You don’t need to finish it in one sitting—you can save your answers and come back later.

This survey may seem lengthy, but it is designed to explore a complex and often deeply personal experience. It includes detailed questions about mental health, social impact, and experiences of coercive control. We have also included space for reflection, so your story can be understood in context—not just in numbers.

Your time and insight are incredibly valuable. Every response helps build understanding of the psychological effects of mandated shunning in high-control religious groups.

Your responses are fully anonymous and securely stored.

  • Anonymous participation

  • 40–90 minutes

  • Secure and encrypted

  • Open to former members

Confidential Interview

We’re also conducting one-on-one interviews to explore the lived experience and wider social, legal, and psychological impacts of mandated shunning. The purpose of the interview is to understand how shunning affects people’s lives in depth, from survivors and professionals alike.

We’re looking for participants from five groups:

Former members of faith-based groups that practice shunning

You're 18 or over
You left or were expelled from a religious group known to shun (e.g. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Exclusive Brethren, Scientology, Haredi Judaism, Amish, Mennonites, Bahá'í Faith)
You were shunned at least 7 months ago
You speak English
You are not currently experiencing severe mental health difficulties that might make participation distressing
Psychological therapists

Qualified by BPS, BACP, HCPC, or equivalent
Have worked with at least one client who experienced mandated shunning
Legal professionals

Hold a law degree and have at least 2 years of experience
Have worked on or are familiar with cases involving mandated shunning
Human rights activists

Actively engaged in human rights or anti-shunning advocacy
Experience in campaigns involving religious freedom, discrimination, or social exclusion
Religious scholars

Hold a Master’s or PhD in theology, religious studies, or a related field
Knowledge of doctrines or communities that include shunning as a practice
Interviews last 60 to 90 minutes and are conducted online. All information is confidential and ethically safeguarded.

  • One-to-one online interviews

  • Trauma-aware approach

  • Confidential participation

  • Survivors and professionals

Who Can Participate
 

    • 18 years or older

    • Former member of a group known to practise shunning

    • Personally experienced exclusion or mandated shunning

    • Shunned at least 7 months ago

    • Proficient in English
       

    Groups may include:
     

    • Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • Exclusive Brethren

    • Scientology

    • Haredi Judaism

    • Amish communities

    • Mennonite communities

    • Baháʼí Faith

    • and similar environments

    • BPS, BACP, HCPC, or equivalent qualifications

    • Experience supporting clients affected by mandated shunning

    • Law degree and minimum two years of experience

    • Familiarity with cases involving mandated shunning

    • Active in human rights or anti-shunning advocacy

    • Experience with religious freedom or social exclusion issues

    • Master’s or PhD in theology, religious studies, or related fields

    • Knowledge of communities where shunning is practised

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