International Journal of Cultic Studies ■ Vol. 8, 2017 3
both advantages and disadvantages. His research
also suggests that, in spite of difficulties with the
experience, former members felt they learned
from it and were able to use this knowledge in
their postcult lives (Wright, 1994). More recent
qualitative literature has also drawn attention to
the diversity in the way that people chose to
narrate similar experiences. Writing about
sexual abuse survivors, researchers have, for
example, noted that they may choose to
represent this experience and its effects on their
lives in different ways, which foreground
negative psychological effects or highlight
resilience and transcendence (Harvey, Mishler,
Koenen, &Harney, 2000 Reavy &Brown,
2007). It is possible then that those who have
had childhood experiences in communities may
offer diverse accounts of either the damage or
benefits they feel they have experienced as a
result.
The literature clearly reflects divergent views on
the likely harm or benefit of cult/NRM
membership for later adjustment. This may be a
consequence of fundamental differences in
ideological position (Zablocki &Robbins,
2001), but it is also likely to be a product of the
diversity of groups that can be included under
this broad category. According to Langone
(1993), cults are marked by devotion to a person
or cause, mechanisms of control and persuasion
that force adherence to the beliefs and practices
of the group, the dependence of members on the
group leader, and their exploitation. But as
Freckelton (1998) notes, there is little
homogeneity amongst these groups, and it is
likely that some have more negative cult-like
features than others. Communities may also vary
from those that affiliate with religion and those
that are linked to other value systems, including
psychotherapy (Schwartz &Kaslow, 2001).
Research clearly needs to take into account more
specific features of each community, including,
for example, child sexual abuse, which is known
to have harmful psychological effects (Maniglio,
2009).
Centrepoint: The Context
Centrepoint operated in Auckland between 1978
and 2000. Drawing from the Encounter
Movement, it had as its central mission the
transformation of interpersonal relationships to
be more open (Oakes, 1986). One of its more
controversial characteristics was its emphasis on
open sexuality, including for children. These
values were expressed in the organization of life
at the community, which included shared
sleeping arrangements in “long houses” as well
as open showers and toilets (Levitas &
Sargisson, 2003 Oakes, 1986 Sargisson &
Sargent, 2004). In terms of its resources, it
operated communally, with members handing
over their assets to the general pool upon joining
Centrepoint (Levitas &Sargisson, 2003 Oakes,
1986). Centrepoint also utilized therapeutic
strategies both in and outside formal group
therapy to challenge interpersonal boundaries
and encourage open expression of emotions and
sexuality (Levitas &Sargisson, 2003). The
practices of the community in relation to child
sexuality and to illegal drugs became the focus
of police investigation and resulted in the
imprisonment of a number of its senior
members, including the leader, Bert Potter, on
child abuse and drugs charges. The community
was closed by a court order in 2000.
There were estimated to be from 200 to 300
children who spent some or all of their
childhoods at Centrepoint. We were aware of
contrasting viewpoints amongst this group
because some had spoken out publically,
decrying the abuse they had experienced at
Centrepoint, while others had expressed their
loyalty to the community and espoused its
benefits.
In the broader study from which this article
draws, participants provided detailed
descriptions of their experiences growing up in
the community (Gibson, Morgan, Woolley, &
Powis, 2010). These experiences highlighted
features of the Centrepoint environment with the
potential for adverse psychological effects,
including early sexual experiences and child
sexual abuse, parental neglect, psychological
manipulation, and recreational drug use by
children. But participants also described some
positive experiences at the community,
including support from a range of adults, strong
peer-group connections, child-friendly facilities,
and opportunities for communal interaction and
activities.
both advantages and disadvantages. His research
also suggests that, in spite of difficulties with the
experience, former members felt they learned
from it and were able to use this knowledge in
their postcult lives (Wright, 1994). More recent
qualitative literature has also drawn attention to
the diversity in the way that people chose to
narrate similar experiences. Writing about
sexual abuse survivors, researchers have, for
example, noted that they may choose to
represent this experience and its effects on their
lives in different ways, which foreground
negative psychological effects or highlight
resilience and transcendence (Harvey, Mishler,
Koenen, &Harney, 2000 Reavy &Brown,
2007). It is possible then that those who have
had childhood experiences in communities may
offer diverse accounts of either the damage or
benefits they feel they have experienced as a
result.
The literature clearly reflects divergent views on
the likely harm or benefit of cult/NRM
membership for later adjustment. This may be a
consequence of fundamental differences in
ideological position (Zablocki &Robbins,
2001), but it is also likely to be a product of the
diversity of groups that can be included under
this broad category. According to Langone
(1993), cults are marked by devotion to a person
or cause, mechanisms of control and persuasion
that force adherence to the beliefs and practices
of the group, the dependence of members on the
group leader, and their exploitation. But as
Freckelton (1998) notes, there is little
homogeneity amongst these groups, and it is
likely that some have more negative cult-like
features than others. Communities may also vary
from those that affiliate with religion and those
that are linked to other value systems, including
psychotherapy (Schwartz &Kaslow, 2001).
Research clearly needs to take into account more
specific features of each community, including,
for example, child sexual abuse, which is known
to have harmful psychological effects (Maniglio,
2009).
Centrepoint: The Context
Centrepoint operated in Auckland between 1978
and 2000. Drawing from the Encounter
Movement, it had as its central mission the
transformation of interpersonal relationships to
be more open (Oakes, 1986). One of its more
controversial characteristics was its emphasis on
open sexuality, including for children. These
values were expressed in the organization of life
at the community, which included shared
sleeping arrangements in “long houses” as well
as open showers and toilets (Levitas &
Sargisson, 2003 Oakes, 1986 Sargisson &
Sargent, 2004). In terms of its resources, it
operated communally, with members handing
over their assets to the general pool upon joining
Centrepoint (Levitas &Sargisson, 2003 Oakes,
1986). Centrepoint also utilized therapeutic
strategies both in and outside formal group
therapy to challenge interpersonal boundaries
and encourage open expression of emotions and
sexuality (Levitas &Sargisson, 2003). The
practices of the community in relation to child
sexuality and to illegal drugs became the focus
of police investigation and resulted in the
imprisonment of a number of its senior
members, including the leader, Bert Potter, on
child abuse and drugs charges. The community
was closed by a court order in 2000.
There were estimated to be from 200 to 300
children who spent some or all of their
childhoods at Centrepoint. We were aware of
contrasting viewpoints amongst this group
because some had spoken out publically,
decrying the abuse they had experienced at
Centrepoint, while others had expressed their
loyalty to the community and espoused its
benefits.
In the broader study from which this article
draws, participants provided detailed
descriptions of their experiences growing up in
the community (Gibson, Morgan, Woolley, &
Powis, 2010). These experiences highlighted
features of the Centrepoint environment with the
potential for adverse psychological effects,
including early sexual experiences and child
sexual abuse, parental neglect, psychological
manipulation, and recreational drug use by
children. But participants also described some
positive experiences at the community,
including support from a range of adults, strong
peer-group connections, child-friendly facilities,
and opportunities for communal interaction and
activities.
