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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 research explores the impact of mandated shunning, social exclusion, belonging, and psychological well-being in faith-based communities.

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To better understand these experiences, we are seeking adults (18+) from three groups:

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Group 1
Individuals who have experienced mandated shunning, social exclusion, or enforced avoidance within a religious, spiritual, or faith-based community.

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Group 2
Individuals who have been involved in a religious, spiritual, or faith-based community but have not experienced mandated shunning, social exclusion, or enforced avoidance.

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Group 3
Individuals who have never been involved in a religious, spiritual, faith-based, or other high-control group.

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By comparing experiences of inclusion, belonging, exclusion, and community involvement, we hope to better understand how these experiences influence psychological wellbeing, relationships, identity, and social connection.


You can take part if you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older

  • Belong to one of the participant groups described above

  • Are proficient in spoken English

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The survey takes approximately 40–90 minutes to complete, depending on your pace. You do not need to complete it in one sitting; your responses can be saved and completed later.

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Although some questions may be personal, participation is entirely voluntary, and all responses are anonymous and confidential.

  • Anonymous participation

  • 40–90 minutes

  • Secure and encrypted

  • Open to former members

Confidential Interview

We’re also conducting one-on-one interviews with survivors and professionals alike.*

 

The purpose of these in-depth interviews is to gain understanding of the lived experience and wider social, legal, and psychological impacts of mandated shunning.

 

We’re looking for participants from five groups:

 

   1. Former members of faith-based groups that practice shunning

  • Age 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
     

   2. Psychological therapists

  • Qualified by BPS, BACP, HCPC, or equivalent

  • Have worked with at least one client who experienced mandated shunning

 

   3. 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
     

   4. Human rights activists

  • Actively engaged in human rights or anti-shunning advocacy

  • Experience in campaigns involving religious freedom, discrimination, or social exclusion

 

   5. 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 – 90 minutes and are conducted online in English. 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

    • Certain Islamic communities or sects that practise social exclusion

    • 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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