Psychology of Cults
In true Halloween spirit, the topic of cult initiation and the psychology behind such a process is a fascinating topic that doesn’t get much traction in mainstream society. Perhaps ideas of cults are formulated from scary movies such A24’s 2019 film, Midsommar, which is a horror/ drama about a violent and disturbing Swedish cult. However terrifying cults may seem from the outside, people possess real motivations to join. The psychology behind cult initiation can be boiled down to an identity-building tradition of conversion, prior traumas such as troubled families and difficult interpersonal relationships, and the subsequent ‘relief effect’ of joining. In addition to understanding the motivations behind joining a cult, a greater significance is held in evaluating psychiatric treatment to cult members, and the challenges that that poses.
Cult ideology is fairly simple, and is rooted in a sense of communal thinking, “(a) adhere to a consensual belief system, (b) sustain a high level of social cohesiveness, (c) are strongly influenced by group behavioral norms, and (d) impute charismatic or divine power to the group or its leadership (Galanter, 1978, 1981; Weber, 1922/ 1963).” Thus, it indicates a sort of like- minded thinking. When considering the circumstances that might prompt individuals to join a cult, such as troubled familial situations and difficult interpersonal relationships, points a to d are actually quite appealing.
The initiation process of cult membership is also quite dangerously appealing due to the emphasis placed on the conversion ‘ceremony’ or process. According to investigations and interviews conducted about cults, conversion into a cult is a very important tradition for it is identity-building, “In each, processes of conversion and affiliation, sustained through the cohesion of the group, influence significantly the identity, world view, and practices of the members (Galanter 289).” Along with like-minded thinking with members of the cult, and such emphasis on conversion, cults seem to be a welcoming and inclusive environment for people who may not have had that in their pasts.
Once the initiation process of cult joining is over, there is a reported, ‘relief effect.’ This relief effect shows how “Members’ current level of psychological well-being was correlated with the intensity of their social affiliation with other members and their espousal of the group ideology, indicating that there may be an implicit inclination among charismatic group members to sustain their affiliations with the group so as to maintain their enhanced emotional state (Galanter 274).” This effect represents a sort of psychological ‘high’ in feeling a part of something, a relieving effect of belonging. Thus, when considering the psychological implications of cult life, clinicians cannot only look at the individual, but also at the larger group dynamic.
When diagnosing and treating the mental disorders of those immersed in cult life, there is research indicating a sort of “brief reactive psychosis (Galanter 290),” due to the cult dynamic, which is interesting considering the psychology of cult-life. Furthermore, sensitivity to cult beliefs and practices is important in giving proper psychiatric and psychological care. Although understanding of cult life is not fully researched, in many ways cults resemble religion, demonstrating the necessity for sensitivity, even for those that have departed from cult-life. It is the responsibility of the mental health clinician to delve into the root reasons for emerging oneself in cult-life, as the reasons for conversion and affiliation may indicate emotional trauma. More research about the group dynamics of cults can lead to better and future mental health treatment.
References:
Galanter, M. (1996). Cults and charismatic group psychology. In E. P. Shafranske (Ed.), Religion and the clinical practice of psychology (p. 269–296). (Reprinted in modified form from "American Journal of Psychiatry," 139, 1982, pp. 1539–1548, "American Journal of Psychiatry," 147, 1990, pp. 543–551, and "American Journal of Psychiatry," 148, 1991, pp. 90–95)American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10199-010
Galanter, M. (1978). The “relief effect”: A sociobiological model for neurotic distress and large-group therapy. American Journal of Psychiatry, 135, 588-591.
Weber, M. (1963, 1922). The sociology of religion. Boston: Beacon Press.
