Abnormal Behavior of Cults

1460 Words3 Pages

Introduction Cults are rare. Due to this rarity they may be considered fascinating to the population. Which could explain why, when cults are mentioned interests peak. This interest is overwhelmingly negative, because the view individuals have of cults is negative in general (Olson, 2006). Although many people may not even be aware of what the word “cult” means. Definitions of cults vary, but overall they are defined as groups, either religious or non-religious, which have distinctive philosophies (Woody, 2009; Young & Griffith, 1992). Instead of understanding what cults actually are, people apply negative connotations to the word. These negative connotations may therefore overshadow the perception of cults. It is therefore essential to look at cults as a whole, including leaders, members, and behaviors, in order to understand them better. Cult Leaders Cult leaders are obviously central to the function of cults. The leaders, although different to every group, often share similar characteristics. Charisma is one of the main characteristics used to describe the leaders of cults. Such leaders tend to be characterized as charismatic (Eister, 1972; Schwartz & Kaslow, 2001; Tourish & Vatcha, 2005). The charisma found amongst cult leaders indicates that they are prone to: Exaggerated self-descriptions, exaggerated claims for the vision, a technique of fulfilling stereotypes and images of uniqueness to manipulate audiences, a habit of gaining commitment by restricting negative information and maximizing positive information, use of anecdotes to distract attention away from negative statistical information, creation of an illusion of control through affirming information and attributing negative outcomes to external causes. (Tourish & Va... ... middle of paper ... ...alsh, Y. (2001). Deconstructing 'brainwashing' within cults as an aid to counselling psychologists. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 14(2), 119-128. doi:10.1080/09515070110058558 Walsh, Y., & Bor, R. (1996). Psychological consequences of involvement in a new religious movement or cult. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 9(1), 47-60. doi:10.1080/09515079608256352 Ward, D. J. (2011). The lived experience of spiritual abuse. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 14(9), 899-915. doi:10.1080/13674676.2010.536206 Woody, W. D. (2009). Use of cult in the teaching of psychology of religion and spirituality. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 1(4), 218-232. doi:10.1037/a0016730 Young, J. L., & Griffith, E. E. (1992). A critical evaluation of coercive persuasion as used in the assessment of cults. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 10(1), 89-101. doi:10.1002/bsl.2370100109

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