(Public Post): First Peer-Reviewed Study on FSA Published in European Journal of Public Health Studies
Why peer-reviewed studies on Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA) matter.
Hey everyone!
I wanted to share some very exciting news with you all: After years of working with clients and hearing your stories, and diving deep into understanding the insidious systemic phenomenon I eventually named Family Scapegoating Abuse as a result of several qualitative studies I conducted, we've finally reached a huge milestone: The first-ever quantitative study on FSA is now published in the European Journal of Public Health Studies (a peer-reviewed journal). You can access the full study here: https://oapub.org/hlt/index.php/EJPHS/article/view/202/202
UPDATE (June 1, 2025): Our second study on FSA and Postpartum Depression has passed a rigorous Ethics Committee review and will now go forward.
This is a big deal and I wanted to share this with you, my community, in a dedicated post because so many of you here (including those of you who followed me here to Substack from my other platforms) have been such a vital part of this journey, inspiring me and encouraging me in my mission to bring global attention to the clinical and human reality of FSA and its effects on child victims and adult survivors.
The study, which I’m linking you to at the bottom of this post, utilized my original Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA) Questionnaire after it passed a rigorous Mental Health panel review at the Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia. My FSA Questionnaire was shown to have high efficacy via the panel review, as described in the study beginning on page 18. Some adjustments were made for cultural considerations. The study was initiated and led by Doctoral Research Scholar Kartheek R. Balapala, who kindly reached out to me to inquire about my co-authoring this FSA-focused study. Research Scholar Mandy Sizalobuhle Mpofu also co-authored the study.
Why This First Peer-Reviewed FSA Study Matters
The publication of the first quantitative study on Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA) in a peer-reviewed journal marks a significant milestone in the recognition and understanding of this complex and poorly understood form of family dysfunction.
This development is crucial for several reasons:
Quantitative research provides empirical evidence, which is essential for validating the experiences of individuals who have endured FSA and its effects. By quantifying the effects of this abuse, the study moves beyond anecdotal evidence, establishing FSA as a concrete and measurable phenomenon. This validation is vital for survivors who often face disbelief and invalidation when sharing their experiences of family abuse.
A peer-reviewed publication ensures that the research has undergone rigorous scrutiny by experts in the field. This process enhances the reliability and validity of the findings, increasing their acceptance within academic and clinical communities.
This research paves the way for the development of evidence-based interventions and therapeutic approaches when addressing Family Scapegoating Abuse and its effects. With a stronger understanding of the dynamics and impacts of FSA, mental health professionals can provide more effective support to survivors. For example, this study I co-authored suggests that individuals suffering from the effects of family abuse may not be significantly impacted by standard Mental Health interventions - an important finding deserving further attention.
Ultimately, this publication represents a significant step towards greater awareness and understanding of FSA, which can lead to improved outcomes for those affected. Access Key Points and the full study below.
Key Points:
The published study provides empirical evidence to support the existence and impact of FSA.
The publication of this quantitative study is a significant step in validating the experiences of FSA survivors.
This research is crucial for developing effective interventions and therapeutic approaches.
It's important to note that the information is evolving, and ongoing research will continue to contribute to the understanding of Family Scapegoating Abuse and how it manifests in dysfunctional and narcissistic family systems.
I’ve also written an introductory book on FSA, Rejected, Shamed, and Blamed: Help and Hope for Adults in the Family Scapegoat Role, which gives a large amount of information regarding FSA. If you haven’t read it yet, I encourage you to do so soon.
Thank you for letting me know, Amy, and again I'm so glad you're here and have joined our paid community, I look forward to getting to know you better in our private chats.
With my sincere congratulations , I thank you for your dedication ,your brilliant research and for bringing awareness to FSA on many levels. Your work has illuminated what has previously seemed invisible by others and you are making a difference in the lives of those aching to be seen by the people who are in a position to help others as well. With Gratitude… Bravo!