Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
ICSA International Conference - Montreal, QC
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Fabienne Harford, Rod Dubrow-Marshall
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Abstract: This presentation will share findings about the ways in which coercive control may become embedded and reenacted through culture. Much of the literature on coercive control has focused on the intentions and influence of individual leaders. Within the area of Spiritual Abuse, existing research often focuses on an individual leader's personality or agenda. This research aimed to investigate to what degree cultural systems, structures, and language perpetuate coercive dynamics, perhaps unconsciously.
Directed Content Analysis was used to analyze published materials from two organizations across two phases.
First, 35 documents from a mega-church, referred to as “Church A,” were analyzed. Church A was a leading force in the 2000’s New Calvinist Movement and was closed in 2014 after its leader, referred to as Pastor A, stepped down following allegations of abuse of power. By exploring the culture of Church A outside the direct influence of Pastor A, this research sought to determine to what degree and in what ways coercive control was systematized.
The second phase of the research used DCA to explore materials from a related organization, referred to as “Church-Network.” ChurchNetwork, is a non-profit, originally formed by Pastor A, which aims to launch new like-minded churches and support existing churches through training and finances. While Church-Network separated itself from Church A in 2014, and denounced Pastor A, this study sought to determine if any coercive cultural practices from Church A had been unconsciously replicated through the Church- Network, potentially perpetuating abuse. This research provides insights that could help identify patterns of Spiritual Abuse and supports the potential that cultural elements could replicate and enact coercion without intentionality or awareness. These findings could demonstrate the usefulness of new preventive measures that address culture and have implications for broader understanding and protections around coercion
ICSA International Conference - Montreal, QC
-
Fabienne Harford, Rod Dubrow-Marshall
-
Abstract: This presentation will share findings about the ways in which coercive control may become embedded and reenacted through culture. Much of the literature on coercive control has focused on the intentions and influence of individual leaders. Within the area of Spiritual Abuse, existing research often focuses on an individual leader's personality or agenda. This research aimed to investigate to what degree cultural systems, structures, and language perpetuate coercive dynamics, perhaps unconsciously.
Directed Content Analysis was used to analyze published materials from two organizations across two phases.
First, 35 documents from a mega-church, referred to as “Church A,” were analyzed. Church A was a leading force in the 2000’s New Calvinist Movement and was closed in 2014 after its leader, referred to as Pastor A, stepped down following allegations of abuse of power. By exploring the culture of Church A outside the direct influence of Pastor A, this research sought to determine to what degree and in what ways coercive control was systematized.
The second phase of the research used DCA to explore materials from a related organization, referred to as “Church-Network.” ChurchNetwork, is a non-profit, originally formed by Pastor A, which aims to launch new like-minded churches and support existing churches through training and finances. While Church-Network separated itself from Church A in 2014, and denounced Pastor A, this study sought to determine if any coercive cultural practices from Church A had been unconsciously replicated through the Church- Network, potentially perpetuating abuse. This research provides insights that could help identify patterns of Spiritual Abuse and supports the potential that cultural elements could replicate and enact coercion without intentionality or awareness. These findings could demonstrate the usefulness of new preventive measures that address culture and have implications for broader understanding and protections around coercion
