Question

How do cults relate to psychology?

Answer 1

Answer - In cult settings, critical thinking is often frowned upon, while absolute faith is rewarded.


Explanation - Guilt, shame and fear are also constantly wielded to slowly strip away an individual's identity. Free thinking, free will and free speech are limited in an environment where full obedience to leaders is required

Answer 2

Cults are an intersection of psychology and sociology. They involve the manipulation of individuals' psychological processes, beliefs, and behaviors to exert control over them. Here are some key aspects of how cults relate to psychology:

• Manipulation and Persuasion: tactics such as isolation and controlling information to weaken critical thinking
• Cognitive Dissonance: presenting an all-encompassing belief system that requires members to abandon their previous beliefs
• Conformity: peer pressure, groupthink, and the manipulation of social norms to shape behavior and suppress dissent
• Identity: manipulating individuals' sense of identity, fostering a strong sense of belonging, exploiting vulnerabilities
• Mind Control: sleep deprivation, induced dependency, and physical or psychological abuse to break down individuals' autonomy