In light of the recent tragedy in San Diego, the issue of the existence, prevalence and influence of cults has come streaming to the forefront. People began to desperately try to make meaning of the loss of 39 once "ordinary" people. We wonder how reasonably (and often highly) intelligent people could come to value an idea or concept (that the majority of the culture might see as ridiculous or far-fetched) so much that they were willing to die for it. Why, we ask, did these people kill themselves?
Another question that seems to be looming in the minds of Americans involves examining their potential vulnerability to influence by cult-like groups. The following are characteristics of people who may be particularly vulnerable to "recruitment" and participation in cults:
people who are lonely and isolated;
people who are searching for meaning in their lives;
people who are searching for a place to "belong;"
people who are "disillusioned" with more mainstream ideology; or
people who are from severely "dysfunctional" families and/or are survivors of childhood ritual, sexual, physical, emotional or mental abuse.
The transition to college provides particularly fertile ground for cults and cult-like groups to locate potential converts. The transition can, at times, leave a student feeling lonely and isolated.
This developmental life stage is also one during which people naturally seek meaning and purpose in their lives. A cult can offer pseudo-meaning that can lure students into membership. Cults can also provide a sense of being a part of something bigger than oneself.
College is also a time when students begin to question the values imparted by their parents in order to individualize their own life philosophy and/or religious belief system. This is an important and suggestible developmental transition during which cults may seem to provide an ideology from which to operate.
A history of abuse is an additional risk factor in that survivors of abuse may have extreme difficulty saying no to any authoritative figure (such as a cult leader), and may be drawn to environments which provide structure, acceptance and protection.
How does one evaluate whether or not a group has cult-like tendencies of characteristics? The list that follows is meant solely as a guideline for such an evaluation. Patterns of responses do not necessarily indicate that the group under evaluation is, indeed, a cult, but can be used to determine whether there is cause for concern and further exploration.
Affirmative answers to the following questions may point to cult-like leaning of the group in question; if so, proceed with caution.
Does the group encourage members to give up "all worldly belongings"?
Does the group discourage interaction with nonmembers other than for recruiting purposes?
Is the group purposefully secretive?
Does the group administer "consequences" for disloyalty or nonadherence to group norms?
Does the group require members to cut off ties with family and friends?
If you are concerned that you or someone you care about is involved with (or considering becoming involved with) membership in a cult, you will probably want to consider availing yourself of some available resources. The World Wide Web addresses in the gray box are self-affirmed agencies of groups committed to educating the public about the dangers of cults and assisting people who were previously or are currently involved safely in exiting a destructive cult.
Boyer is a psychology resident
UH University Counseling Services
The following are two Internet resources to find information on cults:
www.csj.org: This is a site maintained by the American Family Federation, a secular, non-profit organization devoted to research, education and assistance regarding cult involvement.
www.xroads.com/rahome: This web page answers to frequently asked questions about cults, resources, and information regarding techniques of mind control used by some cults.