Margaret Singer defines ‘cults’ as “groups that often exploit members psychologically and financially, and are often manipulative, using mind control techniques that alter members’ behavior and identity.” Dr. Margaret Thaler Singer is an internationally recognized expert in cults and psychological manipulation. She has consulted in more than 250 court cases involving cult-related issues, work with mental health professionals, and research and educative work worldwide. Dr. Singer’s book “Cults in Our Midst: The Hidden Menace in Our Everyday Lives” is a widely accepted authority in studies of cults and their effects on members. Dr. Singer has conducted various seminars and workshops to use her knowledge and worked in the psychological and legal field to increase the awareness of harmful techniques of psychological influence used by cults on people and society and ways to combat and prevent the exploitation of people by these groups. In essence, the information and detail produced by Dr. Singer and other cognitive psychologists have generated a fundamental understanding of how and why people can be brought to surrender their personal freedom to another.
Mind control, a central marker of cults, is recognized as “the use of manipulative techniques to control others’ thoughts, feelings, and actions” (Bass and Davis, 1988). Overt attempts to use these methods can often be identified as psychological force or undue influence, but there is much more to mind control than what is suggested by these blatant means. Cult mind control is not only overt attempts to manipulate or control the minds of cult members; it is a programmed reaction to cues and a set of learned behaviors and attitudes that function to control the way cult members think and make decisions on an ongoing basis.
Impact of Manipulation on Cult Members
The impact of psychological intervention upon a cult member may vary in intensity and duration, depending on factors such as the member’s personality and coping abilities, the length and depth of the indoctrination, and the specific techniques used in the cult. A powerfully coercive environment, especially one involving physical or psychological threats, can produce immediate symptoms of severe anxiety and depression, often to the point of feelings of desperation and suicide. Members in these conditions may require immediate hospitalization and crisis intervention. Studies of ex-cult members show that a large proportion of those suffering from the effects of cult involvement do meet diagnostic criteria for one or more psychiatric disorders. These may be severe and chronic, such as debilitating psychoses, which require intense therapeutic services. A less severe form of diagnosable psychological disorder comes from personality changes, especially when the cult environment has called forth an abnormal personality state; when this state does not remit but becomes ingrained over the long term, that personality disorder is listed in the DSM-IV under criteria C “enduring pattern of behavior.” This shift in personality to an unstable or dissociative identity has been cited as occurring in a sizable proportion of cult members as they adopt a new cult pseudo-identity. Other cult-induced disorders will fall under criteria A, “axial symptoms and disorders”; when these are no longer or acutely active, individual members may not link them with cult involvement and, therefore, not seek appropriate treatment.
Breaking Free from Psychological Manipulation
Leaving a cult can be very difficult because of the psychological effects of the influence of the cult and its members. This is a painful and challenging process, but recognizing the manipulation tactics and understanding why you decided to join can be a cathartic and empowering experience. Former members often seek psychological counseling and support from groups such as the International Cultic Studies Association and FOCUS to deal with the emotional and psychological trauma left by the experience of being in a cult. Educating yourself about mind control and cults is a vital part of the healing process. There are many books and organizations to help, including those that assist families concerned about a loved one who is involved in a cult. Take the time to research and read about the experiences of others in similar situations; this can be both comforting and validating. It is not uncommon for people to return to a cult after they have left, sometimes repeatedly. If this happens, do not be hard on yourself. You are only human, and victims of cults have been exploited for their best qualities. Understand why you decided to leave, work on developing self-esteem and independence, and identify and avoid high-pressure situations until you are confident you will not change your mind. This will be easier to do once the tactics of manipulation are understood. Consider generating a list of the cult’s manipulative behaviors and your healthy, independent behaviors to serve as a reminder whenever you may be feeling vulnerable to pressure. This will also serve as a valuable educational tool for others. The most important thing to remember is that each individual has a right to freedom and self-determination. This is a fundamental human right, and no person has the authority to take it away.