The Mechanics of Brainwashing: Avoiding Dangerous Cults
I have always been fascinated by groupthink, forced ideology, brainwashing, and how to protect the vulnerable from cult groups that engage in such practices. Brainwashing is a method of strategic psychological control used by cults and their manipulative leaders to override an individual's critical thinking, replacing their independent identity with a group identity and unwavering loyalty to that group. Many people assume they could never fall victim to brainwashing, but history has shown that anyone—especially during vulnerable moments—can be influenced by destructive groups, organizations, and individuals. Understanding the specific tools of manipulation is key to recognizing and resisting them.
This brief article only provides an introduction to the topic of cult groups. I urge readers to never stop asking questions, remember that you always have a choice in what to believe, and, most importantly, trust your intuition.
Cult Appeal
Simply put, cult groups are organizations that generally have a charismatic leader who demands blind devotion. Cults come in many varieties. These groups utilize specific brainwashing tactics to manipulate individuals for personal (including sexual) and/or financial gain. The most common manipulative strategies will be discussed in this article.
When studying cults, it is important to recognize that humans are naturally driven to seek meaning, purpose, and certainty. Cult groups exploit this tendency by making grand promises that claim to provide definitive answers to life's challenges. Here’s why these promises are so persuasive:
Emotional Appeal—The more emotional and urgent an appeal sounds, the more likely individuals are to accept it. An example would be, "The world is coming to an end. We need to follow the leader's teachings. There isn't much time left."
Desire for Belonging – Many people feel lost and crave a strong community. Cults offer a 'family' that seems to provide love and security. In reality, they aim for total control.
Cognitive Dissonance – Once someone invests in a belief, rejecting it feels psychologically painful. Instead of questioning the group, people often rationalize inconsistencies to maintain their identity.
Psychological Mechanisms Behind Brainwashing and Belief Persistence
Several cognitive biases and psychological effects contribute to the effectiveness of brainwashing and the persistence of false beliefs:
Illusory Truth Effect: This cognitive bias leads individuals to perceive repeated statements as more truthful, regardless of their validity. Repetition increases familiarity, which the brain often misinterprets as a signal of truthfulness.
Confirmation Bias: People tend to favor information that aligns with their existing beliefs and dismiss information that contradicts them. This bias reinforces pre-existing notions and makes it challenging to accept opposing viewpoints.
Memory Malleability: Human memory is susceptible to distortion, especially when retrieving past events. Each recollection can alter the original memory, making individuals vulnerable to accepting misinformation as truth over time.
Cults are often associated with non-mainstream religions, but they exist in many areas of life, including:
Personal Transformation or Self-Help Cults
Groups that claim to offer personal transformation but demand unwavering devotion to their methods and leader. There is little free choice and questioning the ideas of the leader is not permitted. When enrolling or being introduced to any group, always ask yourself: How are the people in this group being treated? Am I berated or humiliated? If the system does not work for me, am I blamed for the system's failure? Am I upsold more teachings if the system does not lead to positive change? What are the group's claims and are they too good to be true? Am I free to leave the group anytime without emotional abuse? Am I slowly surrounding myself only with group members, and gradually isolating other individuals in my life who love me? Etc.
Example of blaming the victim: "You have to work on manifesting your desires harder. Your poor manifestation is what stopped you from getting that dream job. Luckily, our leader has a special program. It's a little expensive, but it will bring financial abundance from the universe. We can begin the training right away for an extra $1500. This practice is secret. Do not bring negativity by talking to others, including family, about this."
Physical Self-Improvement Cults
Not all self-improvement groups are the same. Cult-like groups often promote unique knowledge that requires complete submission to their ideology. Members join these programs because they are promised a quick path to health. New members may even be going through a health crisis. Please exercise caution if the group uses tactics of humiliation and isolation. Always ask yourself, Am I feeling better about myself, or am I being shamed into continuing with the group? Be careful if questioning the group or its leader's methods are prohibited. Besides the usual brainwashing tactics, these groups often depend on unsubstantiated testimonials. The leaders of these groups are quick to demonize the healthcare profession and share stories about failures of the healthcare system that are never fact-checked. (e.g. "Doctors are all into money. I saw cancer being cured in a small village while backpacking through ___ islands just through chants that calibrated with the universe. When you are ready, I will pass those skills onto you.") Ask yourself if the group is offering knowledge and skills you signed up for. Cult groups generally trick people into their own agenda. An example would be someone signing up for classes on meditation, but quickly realizing they are learning about the leader's religious beliefs, engage in psychic training, and are asked to discuss personal issues.
NOTE: There is constant research being done on physical self-improvement and health. There are university-based studies, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions that are available and effective. Don't forget to ask yourself; Am I learning what I signed up to learn? Am I asked to withdraw from healthy activities I enjoy? Are good people in my life somehow demonized? Etc.
Relationship Cults
These groups are extremely manipulative and isolate individuals from their support systems. They quickly begin to exert control over all aspects of the followers' life. Though not as popular and often disguised under the self-improvement umbrella, these groups can quickly take on a cult-like presence when misinformation is sold as fact. (e.g. "People do not change. Forget marriage therapy. Our leader says that a man has to leave his wife if she talks back to him.") When vulnerable potential victims join groups in search of love but instead encounter humiliation, financial manipulation, lies, and demands to manipulate others, the group quickly takes on cult-like features. When the group worships its leader, practices secrecy, and demands loyalty to teachings that interfere with one's personal or professional life, ask yourself: Have I gained anything? Have I found love? Have I been more unhappy after the initial infatuation with the group wore off? Have I lost friends and loved ones because of the group? Does the group demand my complete attention and round-the-clock availability? Does the group belittle my dreams? How much did I share with the group? Is anything I shared coming back to haunt me?
NOTE: There are many organizations and coaches that address issues like modern dating, assist with self-esteem building, and help people in finding and sustaining healthy relationships. Over the years, I have encountered many that do remarkable work.
Religious Cult Groups
These groups utilize a sophisticated system of indoctrination. Their methods begin with identifying and grooming potential members. Once an individual accepts the teachings of the group's leader, they are subjected to numerous loyalty tests, including demands to abandon loved ones, sacrifice personal possessions, give up previously enjoyed activities, and participate in endless ritualistic practices dictated by the leader.
Over time, the individual is systematically convinced that all of their past accomplishments are meaningless—only achievements sanctioned by the leader hold any real value. The process of brainwashing is both complex and abusive. Once individuals are persuaded of the group's uniqueness and the leader’s authority, separating from the group becomes extremely difficult. With individuality broken, separating from the group means reinventing oneself.
NOTE: Spirituality holds deep significance for many people. The vast majority of spiritual and religious groups strive to cultivate self-love, help individuals connect with their authentic selves, and encourage the acceptance of love from others. Most religious communities focus on fostering a sense of family and belonging. True religious leaders facilitate open discourse and serve their communities rather than take from them. Additionally, most religious groups support the needy and inspire their members to do the same. In contrast, cults demand that members give to the leader rather than to the community.
Common Brainwashing Tools
Love Bombing – Recruits are showered with excessive attention, flattery, and validation, creating a sense of belonging and emotional dependency. Love bombing doesn't just include compliments—it can involve excessive hugging, forced participation in high-energy activities like constant dancing or chanting, and even the use of substances to induce a state of exhaustion and artificial euphoria. This is not genuine love but a method to create an addiction to the group's approval. The goal is to make the individual believe they are loved by the group more than anyone.
Push for Oversharing – Groups may ask one to share personal stories, desires, and regrets. Keep in mind the 1–2 ratio. Group members often offer their secrets in return for two or more pieces of your personal information. Sharing too much and too soon is not a healthy group practice because someone will eventually use that information against you. This technique is designed to create false rapport, and ultimately control over the individual.
Isolation—Members are often told to live alone or with roommates from the same group. They may be encouraged to leave their previous residence and attend extended retreats surrounded only by group members. Isolation is frequently done under coercion, making the victim feel as though they have no choice. If nothing or no one outside of the group suddenly feels important, be very careful.
Sleep Deprivation – Exhaustion weakens a person's ability to think critically. Many cults keep their members sleep-deprived and undernourished, making them more susceptible to suggestion. Victims are often made to stay up late, reading and repeating the leader's or their assistants' writings. Sleep deprivation can include early morning meetings or gatherings that extend late into the night. While members believe they are improving, they are becoming more suggestible and pliable. Additionally, individuals may be subjected to consequences for breaking dietary rules or missing meetings, often being shamed or threatened with the idea that they will not attain higher knowledge, or move up the hierarchy of the group, if they fail to comply.
Protein Deprivation – In this method, members are restricted from consuming adequate protein, making them physically weaker and more compliant. Some cults enforce strict vegetarian or fasting regimens under the guise of purification or spiritual elevation, but the actual effect is a diminished ability to resist coercion.
NOTE: Groups that practice vegetarian or vegan lifestyles are NOT cults. Cults enforce protein or other food deprivation, and when combined with other brainwashing techniques, it becomes toxic to an individual's decision-making ability.
Example of forced diet: "Our leader follows a strictly raw vegan diet, so we all eat as he does. He is enlightened, and we strive to attain enlightenment by following his example. The people in your life who consume other foods are impure. Their impurity is contagious. If you associate with the impure, you risk losing your own purity. Only those who remain pure can progress through our leader's stages of development."
Convincing the Recruit They Are 'Special' – Cults often lure members by telling them they have been "chosen" for a higher purpose. Victims are made to feel that the group is unlike any other. Group members must believe they strive to be as close to the leader's abilities as possible, though no one can indeed come close. All of life's answers are believed to come from this group and its teacher, while everyone outside the group is considered misinformed.
Example of Forcing Specialness and Introducing Isolation: "We know you love your family. But do they truly love you? Do they see you? Do they recognize your true greatness? When was the last time someone who claims to love you told you, 'You are great'? We see your greatness. We see your power. Our leader sees your greatness. If you stay with us and follow his teachings, you will ascend to higher levels of enlightenment. We will provide you with literature to guide you through these levels."
Cult-Specific Language ('Cult Speak') – Cult groups tend to develop their own vocabulary, making it harder for outsiders to communicate with members or for members to think outside the group's ideology. There are many variations, including:
"Thought-Stopping" Phrases: Words or phrases designed to shut down critical thinking, such as "You're being negative," "That's just your ego talking," "Doubt is the enemy," or "Do not speak the words of the soulless."
Exclusive Terminology: The group may develop an internal language that makes it difficult for outsiders to understand their discussions. For example: "The next level is the level of truth. Speak the mind and slide the heart door open for accepting true universal love. We strive for universal love 'that exists in the ether of the cosmos."
Demonization of Outsiders: Specific descriptive terms for non-believers, sometimes aimed at the victim's family and loved ones, such as: "They are the ones with shadows instead of souls; we can see them. Our leader can see them."
Hierarchical and Labeling Language: Cults often have fancy names for multiple levels of development. Group leaders and rankings may have separate titles, and people who do not believe in the group's practices may be given derogatory titles. People are often labeled and depersonalized.
Restricted Access to Leadership—In some cults, speaking directly to the group's leader may be forbidden. Members are quickly taught numerous rituals to prove themselves worthy of direct communication. When communication with the group leader is finally granted, the euphoria experienced solidifies the member's desire to remain in the group.
Leader Worship and Information Control – Followers are told to ask themselves, "What would our leader do?" when making decisions. Very little verifiable information is given about the group's leader, master, or guru, reinforcing their mystery and supposed wisdom. Information about the leader is usually global, and the leader's accomplishments are generally over-amplified.
Example: "Our leader once healed 1000 people in only one hour through his specific meditation. He will teach that meditation to you when you are ready. Commitment and a show of readiness will involve a payment of $5000 (or more). But money is just material. Health is not material. Show him that material life does not matter, and he will guide you into health, peace, and even financial abundance."
Recovery
Recovering from cult involvement is a long and challenging process. Many victims return to the group because it has become their entire identity. There is no individuation—only pure collectivism. Freedom of thought and emotion often feels painful and unnatural after prolonged control.
NOTE: If you believe you have been affected by a cult, support is available. Resources exist to help you. If you are concerned that a loved one has become involved in a cult, seek guidance from licensed professionals and avoid direct confrontation with the leader or members.
Deprogramming and Resources for Recovery
Deprogramming involves reversing the effects of brainwashing and assisting individuals in reclaiming independent thought. In future articles we can delve deeper in the process of healing from damage cult groups unleash. Effective strategies include:
Providing Alternative Narratives: Replacing false information with factual, coherent stories helps fill the void left by dispelled myths.
Focusing on Facts: Emphasizing accurate information over merely debunking myths can prevent reinforcing false beliefs.
Repetition of Truthful Information: Consistently presenting factual data can counteract the illusory truth effect associated with repeated falsehoods.
Carefully Offering Education: Learning about how cult groups function, can help in recovery.
NOTE: Therapy with victims of cults requires specialized professionals. Please seek out professional help for you or your loved one. Expertise in trauma is also essential for a mental health provider assisting a victim of a cult.
Resources for Deprogramming and Recovery
Organizations such as the Cult Education Institute and Freedom of Mind Resource Center offer resources and support for individuals seeking to exit manipulative groups and recover from undue influence. Escaping a manipulative belief system is difficult, but there are resources available:
International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA): Offers research and support for former members. (www.icsahome.com)
Freedom of Mind Resource Center: Founded by Steven Hassan, a former cult member turned expert on undue influence. (www.freedomofmind.com)
Therapists Specializing in Cult Recovery: Professionals trained in religious trauma and coercive control can help with deprogramming.
Support Groups: Connecting with ex-members of similar groups can provide emotional support and perspective.
Cult groups have been known to injure individuals physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Destructive cults have robbed people of financial livelihoods, destroyed families, broken up committed relationships, pulled people away from lifelong friendships, and taken away people's professions. Most importantly, cults rob individuals of their sense of self. Survivors frequently suffer from psychological trauma, anxiety, emotional flashbacks, panic attacks, withdrawal, suicidal ideation, and a desire to return to the group. Intervention and therapy must be conducted with a licensed professional.
Eugene Roginsky, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and wellness educator. He is the founder of Bridge2Horizon Psychotherapy and Counseling Services PLLC, based in Lincolnshire, Lake County, Illinois, where he provides therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
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