Cults are a hot topic. But, perhaps unsurprisingly given the methods of influence they use, they are opaque to the public.
After decades of studying cults and the methods of undue influence they and others exert, I have identified common, misinformed beliefs about cults. One result of such misconceptions is that many people either doubt or misunderstand the influence of destructive cults.
The tragedy of such beliefs is that they can prevent healing among those who leave cults and prevent society from taking action against destructive groups. They maintain the bonds of control that destructive cult groups use against recruits.
‘There is no such thing as mind control’
Some believe that mind control is impossible and claim that cults cannot erase your personality. I certainly don’t claim that they can, on the contrary. Instead, cults create an additional pseudo-identity that strongly influences the individual, resulting in very uncomfortable cognitive dissonance.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) acknowledges the phenomenon of “intense compulsive persuasion” in his discussion of dissociative disorders. Brainwashing, thought reshaping, and indoctrination while in captivity are specifically mentioned because they cause people to experience “long-lasting changes in, or conscious questioning of, their identity.”
Dissociation manifests when a cult pseudo-identity suppresses free will and critical thinking. It does not erase the authentic self, but it can push it aside.
Leaving a cult does not invalidate its existence; of mind control; it shows that mind control may not be absolute: the authentic self is not destroyed and individuals can recover.
Social psychology (including the Psychology of Mind Control course taught by the late Dr. Philip Zimbardo) confirms that isolation, deception, behavior modification, and phobia indoctrination can powerfully manipulate individuals.
“Everything is Mind Control”
Some people claim that everything – from psychotherapy to advertising – is destructive mind control. In fact, I am often asked if I think “all religions are mind-control cults.”
Such an extreme perspective reflects exactly the kind of unqualified black-and-white thinking that cults employ.
All sects and forms of influence exist on a continuum of influence. On the one hand there is ethical influence; on the other hand, there is authoritarian control, which requires conformity under an unyielding authority.
“Why should we do anything? They say they are happy!”
Members of destructive cults often appear happy because they are told to put on a good face. For example, in the Heaven’s Gate doomsday religious sect, known for the mass suicide of its members in 1997, members recorded “farewell statements” and insisted that they joyfully chose death. Their leader had redefined true happiness as giving up the physical form to reach a ‘higher level’.
Claims of a permanent state of happiness may also reflect emotional repression. To anyone making such a claim, it’s important to ask follow-up questions: “If you weren’t happy, would you tell me?” ‘What has to happen for you to feel unhappy in this group?’
Such questions encourage reality testing and can lead to important follow-up conversations.
‘They’re adults. We have no right to interfere.”
Ethical standards rightly encourage us to respect the freedom of adults; otherwise our own actions become no better than destructive cult influence.
However, the destructive cult influence undermines autonomy. Destructive cults deceptively recruit and manipulate individuals, disrupting one’s ability to make an informed choice.
Conviction essential reading
Experts on cults and undue influence, including myself and others, apply psychological models of social influence to determine whether someone has been destructively influenced. We have the right (and responsibility) to provide assistance to those for whom such a decision has been made.
‘They have the right to believe what they want to believe’
People Doing have the right to any religious belief. However, recruiters of destructive cults violate informed consent by lying to potential recruits or withholding critical details about the group’s true nature.
Someone who has been deceived into joining a cult cannot meaningfully choose or understand the beliefs of a group because they have been lied to and manipulated.
If someone freely embraces a view after open inquiry and full understanding, then so be it. It is important to respect the right to do so. However, true freedom of belief must also include freedom not to believe. Destructive cults not offer the option.
‘They are too intelligent to join a cult’
General intelligence and general education do not immunize individuals against cult recruitment. Smart, creative individuals are often highly valued and targeted by cults.
Intelligent people can easily rationalize new doctrines and build complex justifications. They are often idealistic and want to make a difference; qualities that cults exploit.
“They are better off where they are”
Family members and professionals may assume that involvement with a cult may be less harmful than a previous crisis, such as addiction or abuse. But a destructive cult rarely resolves personal problems in a healthy way; it often masks or blends them. Involvement in a cult can lead to dissociation and even trauma.
Sometimes a destructive cult can actually lead to isolated positive changes, such as quitting smoking or introducing healthy habits. However, destructive cults often replace a problem with a destructive psychological dependence on the group.
‘They will walk away when they are ready’
Some cult members can and will leave of their own accord. Many others feel trapped by fears and strict controls imposed on them by the group.
Concerned family and friends should try to educate themselves and maintain regular contact with those involved in destructive cults.
The worst thing an outsider can do is allow the person to further isolate themselves within the group. This isolation leads to an increased us-versus-them mentality, with the member increasingly viewing outsiders as the enemy.
“We have lost hope that they will leave”
Some people give up on someone who has joined a cult, believing that someone involved in a cult is gone forever. That reflects a dysfunctional form of thinking called catastrophizing. People leave sects after years, sometimes decades. Losing hope can become a self-fulfilling prophecy that prevents constructive action.
Instead, families must assume that the person will eventually leave a destructive group.
Families should tap into networks of ex-members, gather information and build a support team. Even if communication is lost, learn about cult control and prepare for future interactions.
Destructive cults thrive on misconceptions – don’t let them!
Destructive cult influence violates free will. Each of these often misinformed beliefs poses a barrier to understanding and preventing this form of destructive influence.
The most important step anyone can take, whether an ex-member, a concerned family member, or someone seeking to protect themselves, is to pursue accurate education about the influence of cults.
