The following email was sent to me from Michael Langone, Editor-in-Chief of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), a very reputable organization. Perhaps some readers would like to participate in this research study which sounds like an excellent and beneficial project.
Barbara
Dear Sir or Madam,
We are conducting research regarding individual experiences in different group contexts. The study involves researchers from various universities, including psychologists from the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Madrid, and the University of Zaragoza..
In the past, our research group has studied former members of abusive groups.
In this phase of our research, we seek people who belonged to a social group which they perceive to be NONabusive, e.g., a social club, a civic organization, a religious organization, a fraternity, and with which they are NO LONGER affiliated. We would like these persons to complete a survey so that we can compare their group experiences with those reported by former members of groups that are perceived to be abusive.
If you have belonged to an abusive group, you may have contributed to our earlier research, for which we thank you very much. However, the survey in this phase of the research needs to be completed only by persons who have NEVER been in an abusive group and who have LEFT a NONabusive group. This is a methodological requirement that in no way implies a lack of enduring interest in the experiences of those who belonged to abusive groups. If you are such a person, we invite you to participate in our future research by writing [email protected].
Please forward this e-mail to friends and relatives who might be interested in contributing to this research.
Please complete the online questionnaire here (URL: http://es.surveymonkey.com/s/groupsexperiences).
Your participation is very important for our research and will help us better understand morally dubious practices found in some groups..
Thank you!
Invictus Research Team
Omar Saldana
Carmen Almendros
Alvaro Rodriguez