9 Things You Need to Know About Destructive Cults

Cults are a hot topic. But, perhaps not surprisingly given the methods of influence they use, they are opaque to the public.

After decades of studying cults and methods of undue influence they and others exert, I've identified common misinformed beliefs about cults. One consequence of such mistaken beliefs is that many people either doubt the influence of destructive cults or misunderstand them.

The tragedy of such beliefs is that they can prevent healing among those who leave cults and keep society from taking action against destructive groups. They hold in place the bonds of control that destructive cult groups wield against recruits.

"There's No Such Thing as Mind Control"

Some believe that mind control is impossible and contend that cults cannot erase your personality. I certainly do not claim that they can—quite the opposite. Instead, cults create an additional pseudo-identity that strongly influences the individual, resulting in profoundly uncomfortable cognitive dissonance.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) recognizes the phenomenon of "intense coercive persuasion" in its discussion of dissociative disorders. It specifically mentions brainwashing, thought reform, and indoctrination while held captive as causing people to experience "prolonged 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 can override it.

Leaving a cult doesn't disprove the 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) validates 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 whether I think "all religions are mind control cults."

Such an extreme perspective reflects the exact kind of unnuanced black-and-white thinking that cults use.

All cults and forms of influence exist on a continuum of influence. At one end is ethical influence; at the other is authoritarian control, which demands conformity under an unyielding authority.

"Why Should We Do Anything? They Say They’re Happy!”

Members of destructive cults often appear happy because they are told to put on a good face. For example, in the doomsday religious cult Heaven's Gate, known for the mass suicide of its members in 1997, members recorded "farewell statements" and insisted they were joyfully choosing death. Their leader had redefined true happiness as relinquishing physical form to reach a "higher level."

Claims of permanent states of happiness may also reflect emotional repression. To anyone who makes such a claim, it is important to ask follow-up questions: "If you weren't happy, would you tell me?" "What would need to happen for you to feel unhappy in this group?"

Such questions encourage reality-testing and can lead to important follow-up conversations.

"They Are an Adult. We Have No Right to Interfere.”

Ethical norms correctly encourage us to respect an adult's freedom; otherwise our own actions become no better than destructive cult influence.

However, destructive cult influence undermines autonomy. Destructive cults deceptively recruit and manipulate individuals, interfering with a person's ability to make an informed choice.

Experts on cults and undue influence, including myself and others, apply psychological models of social influence to determine whether a person has been destructively influenced. We have a right (and responsibility) to offer help to those for whom such a determination has been made.

“They Have the Right to Believe What They Want to Believe"

People do have a right to any belief. However, destructive-cult recruiters violate informed consent by lying to potential recruits or withholding critical details of the group's true nature.

A person deceived into joining a cult can not meaningfully choose or understand a group's beliefs because they have been lied to and manipulated.

If someone freely embraces a view after open inquiry and complete understanding, so be it. It is important to respect the right to do so. However, true freedom of belief must include the freedom not to believe. Destructive cults do not offer the option.

"They Are Too Intelligent to Join a Cult"

General intelligence and general education do not immunize individuals from cult recruitment. Bright, creative individuals are often highly valued and targeted by cults.

Intelligent people can easily rationalize and build intricate justifications for new doctrines. They are frequently idealistic and eager to make a difference—qualities cults exploit.

"They're Better Off Where They Are"

Family members and professionals may assume that cult involvement might be less harmful than a previous crisis such as addiction or abuse. But a destructive cult rarely resolves personal issues in a healthy way; it often masks or compounds them. Cult involvement can impose dissociation and even lead to trauma.

Sometimes, a destructive cult may genuinely lead to isolated positive changes, such as the cessation of smoking or the introduction of healthy habits. However, destructive cults often replace a problem with a destructive psychological dependence on the group.

"They Will Walk Out on Their Own When They Are Ready"

Some cult members can and do 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 seek 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 within the group. This isolation leads to an increased us-vs-them mindset whereby the member increasingly views outsiders as the enemy.

"We Have Lost Hope that They Will Leave"

Some people give up on someone who has joined a cult, believing a person involved with a cult is gone forever. That reflects a dysfunctional form of thinking called catastrophizing. People do leave cults after years, sometimes decades. Losing hope can become a self-fulfilling prophecy preventing constructive action.

Instead, families should adopt a mindset that the person will eventually exit a destructive group.

Families should make use of ex-member networks, gather information, and build a supportive team. Even if communication is lost, learn about cult control and prepare for future interactions.

Destructive Cults Thrive on the Misconceptions. Don’t Let Them

Destructive-cult influence violates free will. Each of these common misinformed, beliefs is a barrier to understanding and preventing this form of destructive influence.

The most important step anybody can take, whether an ex-member, concerned family, or anybody who wants to protect themselves, is pursuing accurate education about cult influence.