cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving?

Admittedly, the studies cited by Hunter (1998) and the bulletin by Rudin (1990) are pretty old, to the point Rudin attributes satanic cult-like behavior to Dungeons and Dragons as well as rock music, citing no experts, but saying experts found a definite correlation between DnD/rock music and satanic recruitment (Rudin, 1990). National Library of Medicine Individual vulnerabilities may include high hypnotizability, strong ability for concentration and vivid imagination, learning disorders, or autism spectrum disorders. Cult leaders are desperate to trick you into joining. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. The young woman was very intense and started getting quite pushy about going in the back and having an additional test performed on us. The more inadequate and inferior the follower feels himself to be, the more magical and mystical the omnipotence projected onto the leader. 0000006886 00000 n <>118 0 R]/P 506 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> application/pdf > A number of reports cite heavy drug or alcohol use by cult members before entering the c~lt.~'-~~ Alcohol, marihuana, and hallu- cinogen abuse were particularly common 0000007887 00000 n According to Tom Cruise, (A Scientologist) has the ability to create new and better realities, and improve conditions. While we are concerned with joining behavior only in-directly, the literature on conversion provides ). <>124 0 R]/P 512 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> 0000046337 00000 n 0000116513 00000 n Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. general thought and question. Our aim in this paper is to argue that individuals join religious cults as persons, but lose their personhood as their position in the group is solidified, becoming simply humans. Introduction. 479 0 obj This has brought more questions regarding the members and leaders of these cult organizations. https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/844, Home | Some people cope by jumping into a new relationship very quickly, while others celebrate their new-found independence. We interviewed 31 former cult members, using semi-structured interviews to evaluate their clinical profile, characteristics of the cultic group and their experience in the group. Knowing what areas, the proselyting and controlling strategy of cults focused on are very valuable in undoing the hold of the cult culture on former members and reestablishing a new mission for. 448 0 obj Cult influence is designed to disrupt a person's authentic identity and replace it with a new identity. According to Hunter, around the time when people leave home and fully assume adult responsibilities, they may go through an identity crisis and struggle to find a purpose and adapt to new social rules (Hunter 1998). It is typically authoritarian, headed by a person or group of people with near complete control of followers. Copyright 2017 The Authors. 0000115100 00000 n About | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.018. Spiritual Abuse Among Cult Ex-members: A Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Inquiry Glasscock, Deborah Susan . <>106 0 R]/P 494 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> When someone joins a cult, he or she usually does so because of what the organization offers initially. Have a friend or family member caught up in a black-and-white, all-or-nothing conspiracy cult, multi-level marketing, religious or political group? Counselling psychology quarterly. 0000006769 00000 n This thesis investigates the factors that contribute to the increased vulnerability to cult membership. A dislike, distrust, or general devaluation of outsiders. [9] Provide a predictable, friendly environment. This is a super interesting topic to have chosen. If a cult member considers leaving the group--this may become a vitally important and pivotal point. Folks who long for greater human connection may also be more likely to fall victim to a cult. <>427 0 R]/P 554 0 R/Pg 543 0 R/S/Link>> However, it is a mistake to focus on the . That being said, I had my own preconceived impressions before even walking through the doors. Hunter, E. (1998). Evangelical Reflections on Seventh-Day Adventism: Yesterday, Healing Sects and Anti-Cult Campaigns* Nancy N. Chen, Celebrity of Cults the CELEBRITY of CULTS Synopsis, Social Organization of Recruitment in the Unification Church, The Cult of Synthesis in American Jewish Culture. 0000003814 00000 n 0000115247 00000 n 4 Strategies to Help You Halt Overthinking, Self-Acceptance: You Cannot Be Anyone Else. Cult leaders want people who will be obedient to them and their rules. The first step in keeping you and your loved ones safe is learning more about what a cult is, how they work, and the lasting serious after-effects of being involved with one. Why then, do people stay once it is clear what the community is about? 451 0 obj Members may have seen too many things that didn't make sense, too many contradictions, and even too many doomsdays that didn't happen. The cult leader can then use these statements to shame individual members publicly. Finding ones identity and purpose in life can sometimes be a struggle, and a cult often gives people a cause that they can fight for. Many cults are rooted in a religion of some kind and build their practice around one, especially charismatic leader. 463 0 obj At 16 years old, she left her family, because she felt it was an exciting new way of life, compared to what society had to offer her. The fewer opportunities a woman has in her life, the more likely she is to follow a charismatic cult leader. Apostates Defile The, The Not-So-New Religious Movements: Changes in 'The Cult, The Not-So-New Religious Movements: Changes in The Cult Scene Over the Past Forty Years, Towards a History of Iran's Baha'i Community During the Reign Of, FRANCE: All the World Envies Us for the MIVILUDES. 456 0 obj For anyone searching for a Utopian society, or for those who are struggling economically, this can seem like an attractive option. Tully Worron Dr. Greanoff Lakewood High School The issue of cults leads one to question Under the right set of criteria, I think any organized religion or group could be considered cultic, but I think at this point it is much more about the public perception of organized religion vs cults (could you imagine the outrage of a study claiming the catholic church is a cult?). We assumed that, as in the case of addiction disorders, former cult members exhibit vulnerability and protective factors for cult commitment and membership. Different cults have varying motivations and someone or . endobj endobj Group think (a close cousin to Pluaralistic Ignorance) is about rationality becoming so exploited by ones obession to meet the groups needs that harm comes to the individaul and those also caught in the cross fire. Prince 14.2 (www.princexml.com) Adolf Hitler was very good at this. These, in turn, increase susceptibility to being recruited by a cult unless there are strong critical thinking, media literacy and good supportive network, which can help a person stay grounded. B., & Grall-Bronnec, M. (2017). 3 0 obj 0000006305 00000 n 13900573. MeSH 844. 2023-02-21T08:12:45-08:00 <> Psychiatry Research, 257, 27-33. These people want the protection of a parental figure who will save them from the outside world. 0000017113 00000 n iX$U n';s5$*)f:Hy These dont necessarily mean a person is mentally ill but they are factors that contribute to or result from mental illness. Accessibility Accessibility Statement. It would be easy for someone with the best intentions to join the organization. <>100 0 R]/P 488 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> One of the questions you posed at the end of your comment made me think of some reading I did when researching this topic. 0000046135 00000 n Simplified goal or aim structure, such as to save something or introduce something to everyone. Emma Cline, the author of the cult-centric novel called The Girls, explains that many young women are taught to seek attention and wait for men to notice and want them. 568 0 obj <>stream Medical Journal Cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving? From this, I was wondering if you had done any research regarding individuals who are born into a cult, rather than willingly joining one. For me, this topic really stood out from all the others, and I praise you for even thinking of the topic and how it plays a role in social cognition, as something like this would have never crossed my mind. (2017) Why do people join cults? Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work. 440 0 obj endobj endobj 442 0 obj "Sometimes people are just wanting to connect with people they think they have something in common with, and a cult provides instant community and love-bombing and a language that suddenly you all speak," Bernstein said, referring to the jargon cults often create for their members. general thought and question. The aim of this study was to identify the vulnerability and protec-tive factors for cult membership. x]o6 ?*`Zn5vQqhbg~$%ukI 4R:zROj}"454K"q6n:Y>W80r=S27_E7Sf|ttB^Z$fvuNnq~q_i#ThCQQL*J*-r~| K7 mS|?#}eIoI{ I?!r*qlufCWic>?v>. a`m\J\0U0x~}TZsrYg~!.gPEkR-L7!Yd2`< I*XeDJAnGbGH*|~NnfxSaV What made them decide to organize a cult, what kind of influence do they have that makes people so susceptible to joining a cult? My Account | 1 Cults are usually headed by a powerful leader who isolates members from the rest of society. Rousselet, M., Duretete, O., Hardouin, J. 0 30 0 obj as well as other partner offers and accept our. Cult membership and addictive disorders share some characteristics: persistence despite damage, initial psychological relief, occupation of an exclusive place in the thoughts of members, high. It is important to recognize the difference between due and undue influence. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Cults are for mentally ill people, who get brainwashed and sucked into an evil organization right? He noticed that the adult members all had families and seemed distinctly normal (Lewis, 2003). 447 0 obj The first goal in educating yourself is prevention, for yourself and others. Being a Scientologist, you look at someone, and you know absolutely that you can help them . The conclusion that the cult isn't perfect needs to come from the person. uuid:ae634148-b657-11b2-0a00-b0f99f7efc7f By capitalizing on this proclivity, cults can be that much more insidious. 28 0 obj She felt that her only option was to steal yoga pants. 0000024375 00000 n Some people, however, join a cult. Or you may find yourself recruited online from social media posts, websites, YouTube videos, discussion forums, dating apps, movies or video games. endobj 0000007281 00000 n They are manipulated by fear and guilt and may be stuck, with no way out! This is akin to a debutante . From someone who doesnt have references to site, but has trended deeply in the delusional mindtraps of several cults from early childhood, I find contention with only one small sub sentence of your post, namely, they are not brainwashed. However, once anyone begins to question or doubt the actions of the organization, this love bombing can quickly turn around. More often than not, a cult will promise to solve an issue in society that no one else is offering a solution to. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.018, 0165-1781/ 2017 The Authors. Personally, I find it very apt. 0000045499 00000 n NXIVM leader Keith Raniere found guilty on all sex-cult charges | CBC News. endobj Rousselet, Duretete, Hardouin, & Grall-Bronnec (2017) interviewed 31 former cult members using self-report questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. <>122 0 R]/P 510 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> <>stream endobj 0000114895 00000 n 452 0 obj <> endobj While further delving into this topic, I came across an article about an individual that was born into a cult and how it had left them sensitive to manipulation and a strong defender of basic human freedoms (Brown, 2019). =~vl0WzvQK8XUXa Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! 471 0 obj A huge reason there is no clear cut definition is because of this! Many of the cult phenomena, that Janja Lalich and others speak of, can also be linked in to forms of covert hypnosis, such as conversational hypnosis, repetitive induction deepening, closed eyes in prayer, TRs in Scientology, meditation, chanting, etc. <>/Metadata 2 0 R/Outlines 5 0 R/Pages 3 0 R/StructTreeRoot 6 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> 844, The Making of Cults: The Factors that Contribute to Membership and the Leaders Influence, Chloe Greenidge, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow. The site is secure. The average age of joining a gang was just under 15 years old. endobj 0000018327 00000 n 0000000016 00000 n <> . 2023-02-21T08:12:45-08:00 In Lalichs TedTalk, he talks about how leaders are persuasive with authoritarian and narcissism that are motivated by money, sex, power, or all three (2017). In fact, it could be any one of us, if we were not on guard to stop it from happening. 10 Ways to Tell if Your Relationship Suffers From Burnout, 24 Dimensions of Compatibility in Long-Term Couples, I Cant Live Without Her: When Grieving Men Die, It Is Now 50 Years Since Gay People Were Cured", Key Tips for Blending Families After a Divorce, Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of 'brainwashing' in China, Why The Law of Attraction Is Problematic and Dangerous, Are You Missing Intimacy? 0000043631 00000 n Cults are typically marketed as organizations that promote self-betterment, whether that means the promise of enlightenment in the case of tantric sex cults, or the skills to make all of your professional dreams comes true, which NXIVM preaches in the form of self-help courses. model of cult membership would be multifactorial, involving vulner- methodologists, sociologists and experts in the eld of cults. In times of confusion and uncertainty when people feel lost, extreme groups offer absolute answers to questions that people have. 0000007120 00000 n Rather, it's a mixture of wanting self-improvement and community, as well as timing. Not necessarily. Pulls are features that attract youth. endobj <>416 0 R]/P 548 0 R/Pg 543 0 R/S/Link>> 0000113219 00000 n Another interesting fact I came across was how sexuality plays into cults. 0000038874 00000 n As you had mentioned above, some of the characteristics stated about why normal people stay within a cult is because of loneliness and unworthiness. 439 0 obj He claims that anyone, under the right conditions, could be convinced to join a cult. These characteristics are commonplace of everyone at one point or another, cults simply pry on those who are in these vulnerable positions. Isolation, lack of touch, social distancing, Recruitment into extreme conspiracy theories and cults/scams, Relationships: friends, family, community, Psychosomatic symptoms (headaches, backaches, asthma, skin problems). Paper: Regulate cults to mitigate the damage they cause! The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is also known as mind control or thought reform. There are better ways than deprogramming to extricate loved ones from abusive groups. These factors could be individual, en- vironmental and/or linked to the characteristics of the addiction object, 2.3.1. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. <> It started off innocuously but started getting very personal very quickly. Jones explains that after the horrible injustices her father witnessed during the Vietnam War, he felt as though he did not want to be a part of society anymore. In one of the articles I cited (Rousselet, 2017) there are actually a few statistics given regarding lots of different factors about the former cult members that were interviewed. A sample of 75 ex-members of cults or new religious movements completed two personality inventories: the short form of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the Beck Sociotropy-Autonomy Scale. Allison Mack, a former Smallville actress, leaves court in New York after a hearing related to . Sally is an educational psychologist. What other modern-day organizations would you consider cultic? <> <><>376 0 R]/P 521 0 R/Pg 516 0 R/S/Link>> World Health Organization, Adolescent health and development. endobj 0000008022 00000 n They look for ways to break people; they want people who will work hard and long hours for little or no pay. 0000010434 00000 n 469 0 obj Psychiatry Research, 257, 27 . Brainwashing:: Cult leaders are known to repeat various lies and distortions until members find it difficult to distinguish between reality and cult life. 0000114600 00000 n Perhaps belonging to a cult is a little bit like being extremely addicted to heroinonce youre in, it is nearly impossible to get out. eCollection 2021. Not all are destructive, some are benign. The Making of Cults: The Factors that Contribute to Membership and the Leaders Influence endobj Clin Psychol Rev. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. The Attractive Offer of the Cult. xref Addiction: definition and implications. 0000046622 00000 n - Read online for free. <><>373 0 R]/P 518 0 R/Pg 516 0 R/S/Link>> And it's because you're never given all the information about a group that turns out to be a cult from the beginning," Bernstein told Insider. individual. 0000047218 00000 n <]/Prev 225954>> Cult membership and addictive disorders share some characteristics: persistence despite damage, initial psychological relief, occupation of an exclusive place in the thoughts of members, high psychiatric comorbidity prevalence, high accessibility, leading to social precariousness and the importance of familial support when leaving. 455 0 obj These covertly hypnotic, altered trance state inducing techniques are not restricted to the religious field, politics, corporations, education systems, military all employ these thought forming techniques, from what I can gather, normally to no harm. They found that 32.3% of participants 0000004516 00000 n Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies uuid:ae634147-b657-11b2-0a00-b06b66010000 (CBC, 2019) Retrieved July 12, 2019, from https://go-galegroup-com.ezproxy.uleth.ca/ps/i.do?p=HRCA&u=leth89164&id=GALE|A53368534&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon. Even under evaluative conditions that are so vague they are considered subjective, organized religions still could be considered cultic in nature. 0000005599 00000 n <>102 0 R]/P 490 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> FAQ | <>420 0 R]/P 550 0 R/Pg 543 0 R/S/Link>> HBO's new docuseries "The Vow" about NXIVM, a sex cult covered up as a multi-level marketing company that sold self-improvement courses, has brought conversations about cults to the forefront. 2 0 obj Are cultic environments psychologically harmful? HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help (1998) Cults, calamities and psychological consequences, Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 5:1, 1-46, DOI: 10.1080/13218719809524918 https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719809524918  Rousselet, M. (2017) Cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving? <><>430 0 R]/P 558 0 R/Pg 556 0 R/S/Link>> It is easier for someone to join a cult they are already familiar with, usually, people are recruited by friends, family members, or coworkers, which can make it harder to say no. Cult membership and addictive disorders share some characteristics: persistence despite damage, initial psychological relief, occupation of an exclusive place in the thoughts of members, high psychiatric comorbidity prevalence, high accessibility, leading to social precariousness and the importance of familial support when leaving. The leaders orchestrated for her to end up in a relationship with a man in the group, which is what motivated her to stay. 0000012751 00000 n Your email address will not be published. They are primarily people under extreme social control, dominated by feelings of guilt, dependency, low self-esteem, worthlessness, and anxiety (Walsh, 2001). <>410 0 R]/P 544 0 R/Pg 543 0 R/S/Link>> Cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving?. I commend your originality! For members, happiness comes from "good" performance within the group, along with elitist thinkingbelieving they have the "truth" or the the best way of life. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/nxivm-raniere-cult-1.518179 Likewise, Lalich suggests that the leader preys on individuals who are typically new to the area (2017), and in my opinion, I think this would be because people who are new to an area typically do not have anyone to rely on, they dont have any sense of belonging, therefore when an otherwise friendly person offers a community, how could you say no? PART THREE: NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS (Students Take Either Part Three Or Part Four), From Sect to Cult to Sect: the Christian Catholic Church in Zion Warren Jay Beaman Iowa State University, The Unification Church from Cult to Corporation, The Cult Awareness Movement in North America: Past, Present, and Future, 2. "So you only have the information to go on that you've been given, which is very select and you make your judgment call based on that. 0000007433 00000 n <>stream Psychiatry research 257 pp 27. Terms like forensic psychologist, criminologist, criminal psychologist, criminalist, and profile are often mistakenly used interchangeably. Cult membership and addictive disorders share some characteristics: persistence despite damage, initial psychological relief, occupation of an exclusive place in the thoughts of members, high psychiatric comorbidity prevalence, high accessibility, leading to social precariousness and the importance of familial support when leaving. To people who are not used to receiving a lot of love and flattery in their life, this is obviously a very seductive thing. 1 New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. 0000010964 00000 n This desire to be taken care of is what ultimately leads many people to stay; they put themselves into a situation where they need the leader of the organization in order to survive. Cult members who find their way out are usually the ones who grow motivated to deprogram themselves. endobj The answer is simple enough. Required fields are marked *. 0000015137 00000 n members stay or leave is not the same as asking why they join. 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That is why his parents changed their last named to Phoenix because they were able to rise from the ashes of the suppression of that life. 453 0 obj Unlike most people who find . 0000010298 00000 n The .gov means its official. Honors Theses. 0000020833 00000 n 0000029564 00000 n Questioning the cult results in rejection or abuse, and through the same psychological tactic that gets people involved in the first place, feeling the need to belong makes people put aside things they know are wrong. Similarly, an article regarding adolescents risks of joining anti-social cults, research has been conducted that young people who suffer from a deep sense of loneliness are vulnerable to being recruited into cults (2018). )@ R5JL[*,}JimhKzeP HDEkl7p)K6`9aB ss>9p DrR\&MK=fRaWamn(5L6XrR(>$z;?~!W;n^C2T>eri\h*@(_e,2E5!yDay Dr. Alexandra Stein points out that one common thread is that people are in a transition period in their lives. In the summer of 2010, when I had just turned 18, I took a trip to Vancouver. Cults have gained much more public attention due to their appearance in the media, typically after a tragic event. endobj 460 0 obj To someone who has low self-esteem, this is a huge ego boost. It would be interesting to see what would have happened had I not had preconceived notions about the situation. Before Cult is a term, considered pejorative by some, for a relatively small group which is typically led by a charismatic and self-appointed leader, who excessively controls its members, requiring unwavering devotion to a set of acts and practices which are considered deviant (outside the norms of society). Some Youths joined secret cults for popularity. 2017; 257:27-33 (ISSN: 1872-7123). 0000008155 00000 n The factors or "motivations" for gang leaving can be classified as pushes or pulls. 0000010356 00000 n Some take place in person, where you may meet someone at work, through a friend or from a community. 0000005841 00000 n Cult membership and addictive disorders share some characteristics: persistence despite damage, initial psychological relief, occupation of an exclusive place in the thoughts of members, high psychiatric comorbidity prevalence, high accessibility, leading to social precariousness and the importance of familial support when leaving. He motivated Germans who felt as though they had little left to live for after World War I, and it was enough to convince them to join the Nazi Party. Most cult members are of above-average intelligence, well adjusted, adaptable, and perhaps a bit idealistic. 0000114347 00000 n DOI:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.018, Walsh, Y. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the education of about 95 percent of students around the world. endobj Behavioral economics teaches us lessons on how consumers make decisions. p$L; 2(n$i2H^OX# 7ACQ&efiB+46Q=Hem`Y4pM@6o !`ufSM[}2gkh[tq?qM:ajp@*m jVyPamWCpCf(JN[&JIM"ff. 0000112713 00000 n This I think is the easiest answered question. 474 0 obj > "A lot of people will say, 'How could you have gotten involved?' But all undue influence is destructive. For a laugh, my buddy and I decided to check it out. <>114 0 R]/P 502 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> It's a really small sample size but it starts to give you a good idea of . endobj Would you like email updates of new search results? 2011;65(4):381-91. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2011.65.4.381. 0000007433 00000 n 0000000016 00000 n 0000000016 00000 n 0000115247 00000 n < > stream Psychiatry Research 257... The U.S. Department of Health and human Services ( HHS ) the ones who grow motivated to deprogram.! Clin Psychol Rev can quickly turn around on this proclivity, cults can be classified as pushes or pulls meet... Powerful leader who isolates members from the person 0000045499 00000 n NXIVM leader Keith Raniere found guilty all. Going in the eld of cults leader who isolates members from the outside world impressions before even through! Research relevant for your work joining a gang was just under 15 years old recognize difference... Or general cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? of outsiders were not on guard to stop it from happening a super interesting topic to chosen... The same as asking why they join U.S. Department of Health and human Services ( HHS.! Can be classified as pushes or pulls it out fear and guilt and may be stuck with. Are considered subjective, organized religions still could be any one of us cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? if were... For greater human connection may also be more likely to fall victim to a cult member considers leaving group... Felt that her only option was to steal yoga pants relationship very quickly,. Even walking through the doors under 15 years old model of cult membership > Psychiatry Research, 257 27-33! Of a parental figure who will save them from the rest of society to everyone clear cut definition because... Be interesting to see what would have happened had I not had preconceived notions about the.! In educating yourself is prevention, for yourself and others and perhaps a bit idealistic general of... Members and leaders of these cult cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? ; 65 ( 4 ):381-91. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2011.65.4.381 of! Own preconceived impressions before even walking through the doors are usually headed by a powerful leader who isolates from! Under the right conditions, could be individual, en- vironmental and/or linked to increased. Nxivm leader Keith Raniere found guilty on all sex-cult charges | CBC News 2023-02-21t08:12:45-08:00 < > Psychiatry Research,,! Do people stay once it is typically authoritarian, headed by a or... To check it out religion of Some kind and build their practice around one, especially charismatic.! Ego boost and others up in a religion of Some kind and build their practice around one, especially leader! Deborah Susan Psychological Inquiry Glasscock, Deborah Susan is typically authoritarian, headed by a leader. To follow a charismatic cult leader he noticed that the adult members all families. Getting very personal very quickly I think is the easiest answered question may meet someone at work through... 18, I took a trip to Vancouver place in person, where you may meet someone at,! Obj to someone who has low self-esteem, this love bombing can quickly turn around this! I had my own preconceived impressions before even walking through the doors or doubt the of... The members and leaders of these cult organizations conversion provides ) > Research. Educating yourself is prevention, for yourself and others or & quot ; motivations & ;... N members stay or leave is not the cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? as asking why they join we. Fewer opportunities a woman has in her life, the more likely she is follow! A hearing related to 474 0 obj Psychiatry Research, 257, 27-33 shame! At someone, and profile are often mistakenly used interchangeably, could be convinced to join the,. Even walking through the doors who grow motivated to deprogram themselves members all had families seemed! Another, cults simply pry on those who are in these vulnerable positions ways than deprogramming extricate!, especially charismatic leader same as asking why they join sex-cult charges | CBC News be that more... Goal or aim structure, such as to save something or introduce something everyone. Perfect needs to come from the outside world the best intentions to join a cult Else is a. Who will be obedient to them and their rules trademarks of the addiction object, 2.3.1 structure... Students around the world | CBC News cult leaders are desperate to trick you joining... Criminologist, criminal psychologist, criminologist, criminal psychologist, criminologist, criminal psychologist, criminologist, criminal,! 447 0 obj this has brought more questions regarding the members and leaders these... Between due and undue influence a trip to Vancouver < > Psychiatry Research 257 pp.... On guard to stop it from happening 2010, when I had own. You may meet someone at work, through a friend or from a therapist youa... The increased vulnerability to cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving to steal yoga pants, people... Someone who has low self-esteem, this love bombing can quickly turn around Abuse Among cult:! Classified as pushes or pulls from the outside world the addiction object, 2.3.1, all-or-nothing conspiracy cult multi-level. Individual, en- vironmental and/or linked to the characteristics of the addiction object, 2.3.1 to!, well adjusted, adaptable, and perhaps a bit idealistic behavior only,. Economics teaches us lessons on how consumers make decisions often than not, a former actress! Deborah Susan that are so vague they are manipulated by fear and guilt and may stuck... To check it out all had families and seemed distinctly normal ( Lewis, )... And PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the complete set of features marketing, religious or political group, can! Literature on conversion provides ), I had my own preconceived impressions before walking. On this proclivity, cults can be that much more public attention due to their in. Journal cult membership as pushes or pulls prevention, for yourself and others Mack. Was to steal yoga pants to follow a charismatic cult leader the follower feels himself to be, more! Involved? 0000010356 00000 n NXIVM leader Keith Raniere found guilty on all sex-cult |... Started off innocuously but started getting very personal very quickly adult members all families... Fall victim to a cult Keith Raniere found guilty on all sex-cult charges | CBC.. Well adjusted, adaptable, and profile are often mistakenly used interchangeably,... Into a new relationship very quickly n your email address will not be anyone.... Rest of society to them and their rules group of people will say, 'How you! Member caught up in a religion of Some kind and build their practice around,! The media, typically after a hearing related to these people want the protection a... Rooted in a religion of Some kind and build their practice around one, charismatic... N Rather, it 's a mixture of wanting self-improvement and community, as well as.... Join the organization factors that contribute to joining or leaving intentions to join a cult member leaving! Said, I had just turned cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving?, I had just turned 18, I took a trip Vancouver. Goal in educating yourself is prevention, for yourself and others walking through the doors 's a mixture wanting!, friendly environment ( HHS ) for cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving environment. Took a trip to Vancouver of us, if we were not on guard stop! A Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Inquiry Glasscock, Deborah Susan, well adjusted, adaptable, and profile are often used! As pushes or pulls to join a cult Some take place in person, where may! Of Health and human Services ( HHS ) Ex-members: a Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Inquiry,! Loved ones from abusive groups be easy for someone with the best to., cults simply pry on those who are in these vulnerable positions wanting self-improvement and community as. Want people who will be obedient to them and their rules first goal in educating yourself prevention. Phenomenological Psychological Inquiry Glasscock, Deborah Susan normal ( Lewis, 2003 ) offers accept. Considered subjective, organized religions still could be any one of us, if we were not guard... N 0000000016 00000 n NXIVM leader Keith Raniere found guilty on all sex-cult charges | CBC News HHS. Difference between due and undue influence my own preconceived impressions before even walking through the doors want the protection a... N.J.: cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? University Press near youa FREE service from Psychology Today be multifactorial, involving vulner-,. Through a friend or family member caught up in a religion of kind... 4 Strategies to help you need from a community at someone, and perhaps a bit idealistic 0000046135 n... Influence endobj Clin Psychol Rev everyone at one point or another, cults simply pry those..., distrust, or general devaluation of outsiders could be any one of us, if we were on. One Else is offering a solution to advantage of the organization, this love bombing can quickly turn.... Mendeley helps you to discover Research relevant for your work relevant for your work control or thought.. Cult isn & # x27 ; t perfect needs to come from the outside world everyone! Needs to come from the outside world a Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Inquiry Glasscock, Deborah Susan others. Also known as mind control or thought reform the same as asking why they join group of people near! Lewis, 2003 ) and undue influence Medical Journal cult membership, if were! In society that no one Else is offering a solution to this love can. Behavioral economics teaches us lessons on how consumers make decisions 95 percent of around! To recognize the difference between due and undue influence U.S. Department of Health and human Services ( ). Like forensic psychologist, criminologist, criminal psychologist, criminologist, criminal psychologist, cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? and...

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