I looked up cults, and I found this:
The psychology of cults involves understanding how groups can exert undue influence over individuals, leading to manipulation, control, and potential harm. Cults often exploit vulnerabilities and employ various psychological tactics to break down an individual's sense of self and loyalty, replacing it with a collective identity and devotion to the group and its leader.
Key Psychological Factors:
Traumatic Narcissism:
Cult leaders often exhibit narcissistic traits, using manipulation, control, and emotional blackmail to establish a bond of dependence with followers.
Group Cohesion:
Intense group activities, rituals, and a sense of belonging can create a strong group identity, making it difficult for members to question the cult's beliefs and practices.
Indoctrination:
Cults employ thought-reform techniques, including isolation from external influences, constant exposure to cult ideology, and repetitive rituals, to erode an individual's critical thinking abilities and foster obedience.
Obedience:
Cults tap into the natural human tendency to obey authority, often exploiting it by rewarding conformity and punishing dissent.
Abdication Syndrome:
Followers may hand over responsibility for their lives to leaders, believing that the leader possesses all the answers and has their best interests at heart.
Manipulation:
Cults use a variety of deceptive tactics, including guilt, shame, and fear, to control members and prevent them from leaving.
Identity Transformation:
Cults often attempt to reshape an individual's identity, replacing their pre-existing values and beliefs with those of the group.
Mental Health Effects:
The psychological manipulation and control in cults can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, and substance abuse.
I definitely was in a cult of doctors. Bipolar was my mantra. CBT and meds were my gospel. Really freaky. I need to think about life choices. Avoid certain people.
