Studies of cults have led researchers to believe that there are some consequences of joining cults. The main consequences that have been investigated are the use of mind control and the potential for harm caused by cults and their leaders.
Researchers believe that they have found proof that some cults, particularly those with a religious background, practise some kinds of mind control. Within cultism (as a generalisation) there have been a number of steps identified in corrective persuasion. These steps are as follows. People are put in distressing situations that can be physical or emotional; then their problems are reduced to one simple explanation that is singled out and repeatedly emphasised; a person then receives unconditional love, acceptance and attention from the most charismatic leader of the group or the whole group; the person is given a new identity based on the group and finally they are subject to entrapment and their access to information is severely controlled. The last stage sees them isolated from family, friends and mainstream culture. Many have argued that the use of mind control is not seen in all cults, but it can still be viewed as one consequence of cultism.
Cultism also has the potential for harm. There have been studies to suggest that cults are at a high risk of becoming abusive to members. The adoration of charismatic leaders carried out by the cult members contribute towards the leaders become corrupt with power. Once a leader has this power, he then has the ability to control the cult as he sees fit. Studies suggest that the most common consequences of cults are sexual assaults. However, this type of abuse will only come to light when former cult members leave the group and decide to talk about it. Some cults do not believe in medical care and this can have a severe consequence on members of the group.
Researchers believe that they have found proof that some cults, particularly those with a religious background, practise some kinds of mind control. Within cultism (as a generalisation) there have been a number of steps identified in corrective persuasion. These steps are as follows. People are put in distressing situations that can be physical or emotional; then their problems are reduced to one simple explanation that is singled out and repeatedly emphasised; a person then receives unconditional love, acceptance and attention from the most charismatic leader of the group or the whole group; the person is given a new identity based on the group and finally they are subject to entrapment and their access to information is severely controlled. The last stage sees them isolated from family, friends and mainstream culture. Many have argued that the use of mind control is not seen in all cults, but it can still be viewed as one consequence of cultism.
Cultism also has the potential for harm. There have been studies to suggest that cults are at a high risk of becoming abusive to members. The adoration of charismatic leaders carried out by the cult members contribute towards the leaders become corrupt with power. Once a leader has this power, he then has the ability to control the cult as he sees fit. Studies suggest that the most common consequences of cults are sexual assaults. However, this type of abuse will only come to light when former cult members leave the group and decide to talk about it. Some cults do not believe in medical care and this can have a severe consequence on members of the group.
