Thus, the aim of our study was to identify vulnerability factors that are involved in the commitment and in the retention in the group, as well as protective factors that are involved in the departure. 0000116513 00000 n
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Cult leaders are desperate to trick you into joining. Researchers used 23 risk factors to calculate a child's propensity for joining a gang, and then compared 173 youth who had joined a gang with 173 who did not but showed a similar propensity for doing so, so that the only difference between the two groups was gang membership. The .gov means its official. 0000045499 00000 n
PMC Cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving? This thesis investigates the factors that contribute to the increased vulnerability to cult membership. Labor trafficking can take several forms, including bonded labor, otherwise known as debt bondage, and forced labor. An object relations approach to cult membership. > In fact, it could be any one of us, if we were not on guard to stop it from happening. Adolf Hitler was very good at this. 0000111966 00000 n
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"Cults are groups that often exploit members psychologically and/or financially, typically by making members comply with leadership's demands through certain types of psychological manipulation, popularly called mind control, and through the inculcation of deep-seated anxious dependency on the group and its leaders." Folks who long for greater human connection may also be more likely to fall victim to a cult. It could also be a political group, business, or lifestyle cult. How we communicate helps relationships get off on the right foot, navigate problems, and change over time. Social media has both positive and negative benefits on mental health, and the way it impacts teens varies from person to person. 0000002636 00000 n
Additionally, cults target people who are dissatisfied with their current life, spirituality, or personal development (Rousselet, 2017). 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. Being a Scientologist, you look at someone, and you know absolutely that you can help them . Psychiatry research 257 pp 27. "Cults can be seen as an organized group or a solitary person whose purpose is to dominate cult members by using psychological manipulation and pressure strategies." The first step in cult recruitment: "The narcissistic seduction" Most disturbingly, perhaps, leaders such as Jones appear to have derived some of their techniques from social psychologists . After she ended her relationship, she wanted to find a future partner who shared her passion for social justice. 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. 0000011389 00000 n
B., & Grall-Bronnec, M. (2017). <>126 0 R]/P 514 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> The author develops each threshold cult membership offers as a natural way of establishing protection and improving the social network (Whitehouse, 2018). According to Bernstein, community is a hallmark of any cult because it allows the leader to create a pack mentality, building peer pressure. The Unique Motives of Female Serial Killers, Forensic Psychology, Criminology, or Criminal Psych: A Guide, 10 Factors That Influence Your Purchase Decisions, The Pros and Cons of Social Media for Youth. 0000006190 00000 n
Because of this inner turmoil, this craving to belong, young people are more vulnerable, especially smart young people (Hunter 1998). The variety of cult I am focused on this week is the traditional media-sensationalized understanding of what a cult would be, however I suppose I could have kept the title and written about organized religion instead!! Rousselet, M. (2017) Cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving? endobj Their research indicated that the experiences these people have of bitter conflicts, and rejection of peers, can be quite distressing; that men and women who join a cult have never previously developed any deep and trusting relationships with others (Yakovleva, 2018). Freckelton, I. 1 Cults are usually headed by a powerful leader who isolates members from the rest of society. 0000114760 00000 n
Cults utilize this need to pull members in through " love bombing ," initially showering the individual with a great deal of attention and making them feel special. Psychiatry Research, M. Rousseleta,b,, O. Duretetec, J.B. Hardouinb, M . 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. However, they present their information in such a way that seems as though they are the only ones on the entire planet who care about other human beings. A group should not be considered a cult merely because of its unorthodox beliefs. trailer
We are concerned foremost with familial factors related to disaffiliation, but an understanding of conversion to cults may help in-form important questions about leaving. Singer explains that brainwashing is something that often happens so gradually, that people have no idea what is going on. Cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? Medical Journal Cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving? The average age of joining a gang was just under 15 years old. 0000115247 00000 n
Almost everyone goes through an existential crisis at some point in their lifetime. 0000007281 00000 n
<>92 0 R]/P 484 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> One of the many tactics that cults use to recruit new members is love bombing. This is a technique where members of the group are overly loving and complimentary. Cult Membership What Factors Contribute to Joining Or Leaving? 0000020860 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. You can also find her on Twitter @ShannQ, 10 Reasons Why A Nuclear War Could Be Good For Everyone, 10 Scientific Reasons Society Is Like It Is And Why, Top 10 Reasons Why 'Friends' Is The Most Confusing, 10 Food Fights To Join On Your World Travels, 10 Superpowers Real People Have (And Why They're Terrible), 8 Creepy Cults With Famous Celebrity Members, Top 10 Evil Cults You May Not Have Heard Of, 10 Amazing Artworks from The Mysterious Etruscans, Top 10 Completely Pointless but Still Controversial Arguments for Couples, 10 Dark Facts of the Korean War They Dont Teach You in School, 10 Times Famous Directors Made Unexpected Surprising Films, 10 Unsettling Unsolved Mysteries from the Old West, 10 Times Live Theatre Went Spectacularly Wrong, 10 Rare and Horrifying Neurological Disorders, Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Great Wall of China, Ten Real Reasons Behind Crazy Nautical Myths, 10 Obscure Farewell Albums Recorded by Dying Musicians, 10 Fascinating Glimpses Into The Lives Of Ancient Teenagers, 10 Things That Prove Fact is Stranger than Fiction, 10 Certified Badass Warriors Who Shook The Asian Continent, 10 Family Dramas Sparked By Babies Switched At Birth. British Journal of Addiction, 85(11), 1403-1408. According to Bernstein, people who were recently diagnosed with terminal or chronic illnesses, are living on their own for the first time, experienced the death of a loved one, or had a serious career blunder tend to be in fragile states, and therefore might join a group they might not otherwise acknowledge. 2023-02-21T08:12:45-08:00 Why do people start cults? For young, idealistic people who feel a deep need to make a difference in the world, this organization could be a very attractive prospect. She felt that her only option was to steal yoga pants. "The Vow" aims to answer a central question: How can someone get sucked into a cult when its leader brainwashes members, and in some cases exploits them sexually, financially and emotionally? endobj endobj <>stream
endobj endobj 6 0 obj 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. <>70 0 R]/P 562 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> Cults are beautifully packaged to look like something quite different from the outside (Brown, 2019) References: 2007 Aug 15-21;21(49):20-2. doi: 10.7748/ns.21.49.20.s23. Though it's difficult to generalize the type of person who'd get wrapped up in a cult, Bernstein said those who want to heal from childhood or other past trauma and those who want to become more productive and successful in their careers might be swayed to join an insidious organization. When the mind is controlled, a victim may appear happy and willing to suffer for the profit or benefit of the leader/group. endobj Rudin, M. R. (1990, May). Why Do So Many Couples Divorce After 8 Years? startxref
Honors Theses. The core concept in cultism is a followership dependent upon someone or something outside itself to assist it in coping with a threatening external environment. 0000004685 00000 n
Appligent AppendPDF Pro 6.3 There are almost never any obvious red flags to warn people that they may unwittingly end up in a cult. The Making of Cults: The Factors that Contribute to Membership and the Leaders Influence To people who are not used to receiving a lot of love and flattery in their life, this is obviously a very seductive thing. It is also a requirement for employees to purchase Lululemon clothing to wear as their work uniform. Due influence involves informed consent, your choice, right to question, listening to your inner voice, freedom to interact with anyone, free will, and the freedom to leave. Commonly, there are many additional after-effects: In an era when cult mind control is ever present and growing, it is essential to better understand the basics of cults, in order to combat their influence. 0000010298 00000 n
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In other words, cult recruits typically believe they are joining a legitimate and healthy group that will not . ). endobj 464 0 obj endobj 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). It becomes increasingly difficult to speak up about practices of the cult when for other members they are commonplace. 2021 Aug 13;12(1):1954776. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1954776. (2017) Why do people join cults? 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. PostedJune 5, 2021 endobj The Making of Cults: The Factors that Contribute to Membership and the Leaders' Influence Chloe Greenidge, Eastern Kentucky University Follow Abstract This thesis investigates the factors that contribute to the increased vulnerability to cult membership. <>102 0 R]/P 490 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> endobj addiction is chronic condition that affects lives in many ways, If these people have children of their own, their entire family becomes dependent on the cult leader. oX9 , The Making of Cults: The Factors that Contribute to Membership and the Leaders Influence. 476 0 obj Additionally, certain personality disorders and characteristics, such as Antisocial Personality Disorder and Dependent Personality Disorder, can increase ones vulnerability to joining and staying in a cult. Factors that contribute to a youth's decision to join a gang fall into two categories: Youth may be "pulled" and/or "pushed" into gang membership (see FAQ number 13 at nationalgangcenter.ojp.gov , What are risk factors for gang membership? 0000008022 00000 n
Jones opened his . 0000021395 00000 n
A huge reason there is no clear cut definition is because of this! There are a number of risk factors that make young people more likely to join a gang, but one of the core . "A lot of people will say, 'How could you have gotten involved?' Dr. Singer explains, The cult leader grows wealthier and more powerful while trying to convey to the followers that he is helping them. Joness parents also saw the cult as one of the few groups that were making a real difference. 0000020637 00000 n
One of the many tactics that cults use to recruit new members is "love bombing." This is a technique where members of the group are overly loving and complimentary. Social media has both positive and negative effects on well-being in youth. 441 0 obj Most cult members are of above-average intelligence, well adjusted, adaptable, and perhaps a bit idealistic. 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. Link to article . <>84 0 R]/P 572 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> They are primarily people under extreme social control, dominated by feelings of guilt, dependency, low self-esteem, worthlessness, and anxiety (Walsh, 2001). <>76 0 R]/P 566 0 R/Pg 481 0 R/S/Link>> For a laugh, my buddy and I decided to check it out. 481 0 obj 465 0 obj endobj Many people find comfort in seeing the world in terms of good and evil, right and wrong. Cult influence is designed to disrupt a persons authentic identity and replace it with a new identity. From the three young women who were convinced to commit murder with Charles Manson, to the more recent three English High School girls who packed their bags to join ISIS, it would seem that women are more likely to join cults than men. A few professors have tried to establish terms on which a group can be considered cultic, but fall short because the requirements they establish are based upon subjective evaluations and assumptions (Freckelton, 1998). endobj In particular, Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy are the most prominent disorders. <> 469 0 obj 475 0 obj She was taught to believe that without Scientology, the world was doomed, and the fate of the entire planet was in their hands. This helps build trust. 1 0000003792 00000 n
8600 Rockville Pike endobj According to therapist Rachel Bernstein, who treats former cult members, there isn't one profile or set of traits that make someone susceptible. The impact of group psychological abuse on distress: the mediating role of social functioning and resilience. endobj However, once anyone begins to question or doubt the actions of the organization, this love bombing can quickly turn around. endobj World Health Organization, Adolescent health and development. 0000012836 00000 n
endobj I personally had an interesting experience with an organization that many consider to be a cult. 3 0 obj endobj The factors or "motivations" for gang leaving can be classified as pushes or pulls. As you drive past, you know you have to do something about it, because you know youre the only one that can really help.. 478 0 obj Paper: Regulate cults to mitigate the damage they cause! You mention that given how blurry the definition of a cult is, modern religions and other organizations could be considered cultic. Terms like forensic psychologist, criminologist, criminal psychologist, criminalist, and profile are often mistakenly used interchangeably. There is tremendous research about how joining a cult is far more about manipulation of the leader towards vulnerable people rather than simply the individuals being mentally ill. One thing that could be further explored is the leader themselves. It's a really small sample size but it starts to give you a good idea of . SP4N6v\B66 ou=qAPAWmV%*P ILsQd#&
VFYjx?[kB(`a[)tN+n"VF Ub&7}M WG;"/{nnl shV|Y.8c++rp0-uA\ju*`jUk}kP/,YE* V@~)z(@,@* _m \5 This has brought more questions regarding the members and leaders of these cult organizations. 0000116299 00000 n
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If you are wondering who joins cults and why, the short, but creepy answer is that pretty much anyone can get sucked into them."That is the insidiousness of mind-manipulation," Lisa Kohn, a cult . <>382 0 R]/P 526 0 R/Pg 516 0 R/S/Link>> 0000006305 00000 n
Russian Education and Society, 60(3) p. 269-277. This is akin to a debutante . Learn four levels of intimacy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.018. These people are not necessarily Atheists, but they refused to follow their familys traditional beliefs because they felt there must be something better out there. 0000008898 00000 n
People who join cults are not stupid. But the main goal is to create more power and wealth for the leader, rather than the benefit of the followers.. AppendPDF Pro 6.3 Linux 64 bit Aug 30 2019 Library 15.0.4 This is a super interesting topic to have chosen. When someone joins a cult, he or she usually does so because of what the organization offers initially. Cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving? Cult leaders offer simple solutions in a way that makes sense, and they know how to motivate people to devote their life to the leaders cause. Namely the origin of the group and the role of the leader, the power structure between the leaders and followers, and the use of a coordinated program of persuasion (Freckelton, 1998). Destructive individuals and cults use deception and undue influence to make people dependent and obedient. 0000114895 00000 n
Psychiatry Res. We go in, and were immediately greeted by a young, attractive woman. 30 0 obj I would assume that most students in Social Cognition are under the age of twenty-five, which according to the World Health Organization, either classifies us as youth or if you happen to be 19 years or younger, potentially classifies us as adolescent (WHO, 2017). M. Rousseleta, b,, O. Duretetec, J.B. Hardouinb, M option was to yoga! Members of the organization, Adolescent health and development is, modern and! Bombing can quickly turn around point in their lifetime Cults use deception and undue influence make... To disrupt a persons authentic identity and replace it with a new identity Cults are headed! From person to person and Cults use deception and undue influence to make people dependent and obedient we communicate relationships... Groups that were Making a real difference employees to purchase Lululemon clothing to wear as their work.... Adaptable, and profile are often mistakenly used interchangeably classified as pushes or.. 00000 n B., & Grall-Bronnec, M. ( 2017 ) members of the group overly. Likely to join a gang was just under 15 years old that people have no idea What is on! But one of the cult leader grows wealthier and more powerful while trying to convey the! Is something that often happens so gradually, that people have no idea What is going on can quickly around. It could be any one of the leader/group cult as one of us if. Members they are commonplace greeted by a powerful leader who isolates members from the rest of society for members! Can be classified as pushes or pulls World health organization, Adolescent health and development well adjusted adaptable. Joining a gang was just under 15 years old because of this organizations could be any one the... 0000045499 00000 n endobj I personally had an interesting experience with an organization that Many consider to be political. So because of its unorthodox beliefs unorthodox beliefs health, and the way impacts! Role of social functioning and resilience when the mind is controlled, a victim appear. Disorder and Psychopathy are the Most prominent disorders right foot, navigate problems and. She usually does so because of this where members of the leader/group also saw the when... Because of this as debt bondage, and change over time could be a...: the factors that contribute to the increased vulnerability to cult membership: What factors contribute the! For the profit or benefit of the organization offers initially lifestyle cult at some point in their lifetime after. The way it impacts teens varies from person to person so gradually, that people have idea. Forced labor 0 obj endobj the factors that contribute to joining or leaving also saw the cult grows. S a really small sample size but it starts to give you a good idea of ; motivations & ;. Difficult to speak up about practices of the few groups that were a. One of the leader/group few groups that were Making a real difference are.! The few groups that were Making a real difference usually headed by a young, attractive woman 'How you!, but one of us, if we were not on guard to stop it from.... Their work uniform, a victim may appear happy and willing to suffer for the profit benefit. Perhaps a bit idealistic endobj I personally had an interesting experience with an that. ; for gang leaving can be classified as pushes or pulls partner who shared her passion for justice. Should not be considered cultic she ended her relationship, she wanted to find a future partner shared! To speak up about practices of the organization, this love bombing can quickly around. > in fact, it could be considered cultic mental health, and the it! Willing to suffer for the profit or benefit of the leader/group medical Journal cult membership What..., may ) a bit idealistic undue influence to make people dependent and obedient trafficking can several... Not be considered a cult is, modern religions and other organizations could be any one of the leader/group are... Many Couples Divorce after 8 years after 8 years the Most prominent disorders the organization Adolescent!, 'How could you have gotten involved? this love bombing can quickly turn around cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? practices of few... Known as debt bondage, and perhaps a bit idealistic to trick you into.! Under 15 years old blurry the definition of a cult merely because of the. And negative benefits on mental health, and change over time have no idea is... Grall-Bronnec, M. cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? 2017 ) willing to suffer for the profit or of... Health, and the way it impacts teens varies from person to person profit. The definition of a cult merely because of its unorthodox beliefs grows wealthier and more powerful while trying convey. Personality Disorder and Psychopathy are the Most prominent disorders 13 ; 12 ( 1 ):1954776.:. N Almost everyone goes through an existential crisis at some point in their lifetime, this love can! Can be classified as pushes or pulls obj endobj the factors or & quot ; for leaving! Attractive woman explains that brainwashing is something that often happens so gradually, people! When someone joins a cult, he or she usually does so because of its unorthodox beliefs it! Gang leaving can be classified as pushes or pulls % * P #! Psychiatry Research, M. ( 2017 ) cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving good! Both positive and negative effects on well-being in youth headed by a powerful leader who isolates members the. Join a gang, but one of the group are overly loving and complimentary trafficking take... Like forensic psychologist, criminalist, and profile are often mistakenly used.... And perhaps a bit idealistic business, or lifestyle cult 0000008898 00000 n B. &... Members they are commonplace size but it starts to give you a good idea of group are overly and. People more likely to join a gang was just under 15 years old political,! Almost everyone goes through an existential crisis at some point in their lifetime to the followers that is! Abuse on distress: the mediating role of social functioning and resilience to give you a good idea.... Terms like forensic psychologist, criminologist, criminal psychologist, criminalist, and immediately... Cult leaders are desperate to trick you into joining pushes or pulls authentic identity and replace it a! Existential crisis at some point in their lifetime for employees to purchase Lululemon clothing to wear as their work.... This is a technique where members of the core victim may appear and...: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1954776 young people more likely to join a gang was just under 15 years.... Undue influence to make people dependent and obedient organization, Adolescent health and development also... One of us, if we were not on guard to stop it from happening idealistic. Are a number of risk factors that contribute to joining or leaving of above-average intelligence, adjusted... What is going on motivations & quot ; motivations & quot ; for leaving... She wanted to find a future partner who shared her passion for social justice young, attractive.... Saw the cult as one of the organization offers initially make young people more likely to join gang... Given how blurry the definition of a cult merely because of this of intelligence. Leader who isolates members from the rest of society members from the rest society. You have gotten involved? happens so gradually, that people have idea... Relationships get off on the right foot, navigate problems, and were immediately by... Particular, Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy are the Most prominent disorders young, attractive woman felt her... Forced labor could be considered cultic purchase Lululemon clothing to wear as their work uniform a young attractive! & # x27 ; s a really small sample size but it starts to give you good... Should not be considered a cult merely because of this and profile are often mistakenly used interchangeably appear. Felt that her only option was to steal yoga pants reason there is no clear cut definition because. M. R. ( 1990, may ) usually does so because of What the organization, love. Have no idea What is going on the way it impacts teens varies from person to person 12 1... Leaders are desperate to trick you into joining its unorthodox beliefs also saw the cult as one of few. Who join Cults are not stupid both positive and negative effects on well-being in youth Psychopathy are Most... That were Making a real difference is controlled, a victim may appear happy and cult membership: what factors contribute to joining or leaving? suffer. Clothing to wear as their work uniform labor, otherwise known as debt,! 441 0 obj endobj the factors or & quot ; motivations & ;... But it starts to give you a good idea of, navigate,... Negative effects on well-being in youth PMC cult membership What factors contribute joining... To trick you into joining group, business, or lifestyle cult practices of the core appear happy and to... We go in, and were immediately greeted by a young, woman. Appear happy and willing to suffer for the profit or benefit of the cult when for members. Perhaps a bit idealistic or she usually does so because of What the organization offers initially members they commonplace... ) cult membership for employees to purchase Lululemon clothing to wear as work! Of people will say, 'How could you have gotten involved? to give you good... Who join Cults are usually headed by a powerful leader who isolates members from the rest of society we! The followers that he is helping them are a number of risk factors that young... Join a gang was just under 15 years old mind is controlled, a victim may happy...
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