TW: This topic discusses abuse, manipulation, and violence.

One of the most fascinating but niche topics in the field of psychology is cults and extremist groups. Why do people join cults? Why do they stay? How can someone justify doing heinous acts in the name of a group? These are all questions explored by cult experts. Many of the most infamous cult leaders had an understanding of basic psychology which allowed them to successfully manipulate those around them and amass a loyal following. The majority of these techniques are also employed by domestic abusers. Understanding these methods is important in safeguarding ourselves and allowing us to help others who may have become entrapped in a dangerous situation.

Community & Groupthink

One of the most appealing aspects of any group is the sense of community they provide. Cults often target those who are at their most vulnerable and in need of support. Additionally, being a part of a group with a mission we care about gives us a sense of purpose. Putting forth the group as a “tight-knit community” or a “family” is an effective way for any organization to recruit new members. In this way, a cult may look like any other organization when first joining.

Once someone becomes a part of a cult, they are quickly indoctrinated into the groupthink. Groupthink is a collective thought process that unites the group while overriding individual beliefs and values. Those who have been indoctrinated and fall into the trap of groupthink struggle to separate their own thoughts, feelings, and values from that of the group. They may start shifting their own beliefs to fit the group or distance themselves from those that don’t agree with the group narrative. This is a powerful phenomenon that can lead to large personality and behavior shifts in members. 

Groupthink also creates self-management in the group. Members may begin to self-censor and are less likely to disagree with the leader. Additionally, some members may take it upon themselves to force others to conform to group expectations and beliefs. In a way, these individuals become “mini-cult leaders” and become abusers while still being victims themselves.

Love-bombing & Gaslighting

Gaslighting and love-bombing are two manipulation techniques you have likely heard of. These methods are often used in abusive relationships as well as cults. Although they are separate techniques, they are often seen together in abusive situations.

Love-bombing is when an individual or group overwhelms the victim with an excessive amount of affection. This occurs most frequently at the beginning of a relationship or when a new member is recruited into a group, but it may also happen periodically in order to entice the victim to stay. The individual may receive gifts, get extra attention, or otherwise be made to feel “special”.

Gaslighting is a manipulation technique in which the victim is made to question their own sanity or understanding of the world. This technique is used early by cults, often telling recruits that they have been indoctrinated by others or that they have been lied to. Early doctornation into groupthink begins with gaslighting. Gaslighting can also be used to retain followers. When followers begin to question the group, cult leaders often “remind” them that they are uncomfortable because they have been lied to their whole lives. Some groups also imply that individual discomfort is a sign of weakness and that the group is needed to “purge” said weakness. In the end, the group or leader are never at fault and all responsibility falls on the individual or outside world. This contributes to the “us vs them” mindset seen in cult and extremist groups as well.

Love-bombing is often used as a justification in gaslighting. Abusers may point to the love-bombing as evidence that they care for the victim. In this way, they are able to magnify the good while minimizing the abuse. Using this combination of tactics makes the victim feel guilty for questioning the abuser and confused over the nature of their relationship.

Catastrophizing & Fear

It is no coincidence that many cults revolve around some kind of catastrophic event like judgement day or the downfall of civilization. Cults often prey on our innate fear of death. By focusing on such a subject, cult leaders can then position themselves to be the solution to this issue. They convince members that being a part of the group will grant them salvation and spare them pain and suffering. This tactic is especially effective for those who already follow a religion that believes in judgement day or who believe humanity is trending towards self-destruction.

Fear also plays a part in member retention and compliance of community rules. Apostates, or ex-cult/church members, are said to be the worst of humanity. Cults often forbid members from talking to apostates, threatening harsh punishments or expulsion from doing so. However, it is not only apostates that are vilified. The outside world as a whole is often framed to be an “evil” or “corrupt” place. Members begin to fear the outside world and will go to extreme lengths to remain in the community and stay on the good side of the leader. Fear within the cult is a factor as well. Late-stage cults will begin implementing abusive disciplinary tactics to keep members in line. In some cases this can involve public humiliation or outing, in others physical or sexual abuse may be involved. This creates an environment of fear where noncompliance is dangerous, and in the worst cases fatal.

Why It’s Important to Understand Cult Psychology

We all like to think that we would never join an extremist group. However, those who think they are immune to tactics like these are the most vulnerable. Recognizing manipulative tactics helps you protect yourself – and not just from cults. Most of the manipulation techniques seen in cults and extremist groups are also used by domestic abusers. While it is never a victim’s fault for being abused, psychology is a self-defense tool.

Understanding the experiences of cult members also helps us empathize with survivors. Many of those who have left cults are forced to leave their support systems and struggle to find sympathy from the outside world. This can make their transition even more difficult or put them at risk of returning. Oftentimes, shame and embarrassment are major struggles for survivors. By recognizing how we ourselves might be vulnerable and understanding the depth of manipulation, we can better connect to those in need of support and reevaluate our judgements.

To learn more about cult psychology please see…

Catastrophizing (Psychology Today)

The Psychology of Cults (University of Texas Permian Basin)

Watch Out for Groupthink (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

For cult survivor resources please see…

The Aftermath Foundation