Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 5, No. 6, 2006, Page 32
inexhaustible flow of an evil and self-serving impulse to control, abuse, dominate, and take
advantage of unsuspecting cult followers.
Analysis of Cult Leader Behaviors Compared to Current DSM-IV-TR Criteria for
ASPD
The DSM-IV Antisocial Personality Disorder criteria are listed below in italic type, with
appended comments in standard font (DSM-IV, pp. 650–651):
A. There is a pervasive disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age
15 years, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:
Retrospective adolescent data about cult leaders‘ childhood histories is currently not
available.
(1) failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by
repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest.
Except for extremely violent cult leaders such as Charles Manson, Jim Jones, or the three
cult leaders reported by Oakes in Prophetic Charisma to be incarcerated, most cult leaders
have not been reported for activities ―that are grounds for arrest,‖ with the majority of cult
leaders not being formally accused or convicted of serious crimes. Therefore, without
specific evidence to the contrary, most cult leaders do not meet this criterion.
(2) deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning for personal
profit or pleasure This criterion has been reported applicable by ex-cult members to some
cult leaders. This criterion therefore appears to be characteristic of some cult leaders.
(3) impulsivity or failure to plan ahead.
Insufficient data is available at this time to determine whether or not this criterion is met.
(4) irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults.
As reported by some ex-cult members, some members have experienced physical assaults
by cult leaders, as well as aggressiveness or irritability or both.
(5) reckless disregard for the safety of self or others.
Insufficient data is available regarding this criterion.
(6) consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work
behavior or honor financial obligations.
Cult leaders have been implicated in lack of financial integrity, which includes failure to
honor financial obligations, including both fraud and misuse of monies ostensibly collected
for cult ―ministry needs.‖
(7) lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt,
mistreated or stolen from another.
The leader‘s lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having
hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another has been reported by ex-cult members.
B. The individual is at least age 18 years.
Adult cult leaders meet this criterion.
C. There is evidence of Conduct Disorder (see p. 90) with onset before age 15 years.
Data is not available regarding the childhood background of cult leaders.
D. The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of
schizophrenia or a Manic Episode.
inexhaustible flow of an evil and self-serving impulse to control, abuse, dominate, and take
advantage of unsuspecting cult followers.
Analysis of Cult Leader Behaviors Compared to Current DSM-IV-TR Criteria for
ASPD
The DSM-IV Antisocial Personality Disorder criteria are listed below in italic type, with
appended comments in standard font (DSM-IV, pp. 650–651):
A. There is a pervasive disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age
15 years, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:
Retrospective adolescent data about cult leaders‘ childhood histories is currently not
available.
(1) failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by
repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest.
Except for extremely violent cult leaders such as Charles Manson, Jim Jones, or the three
cult leaders reported by Oakes in Prophetic Charisma to be incarcerated, most cult leaders
have not been reported for activities ―that are grounds for arrest,‖ with the majority of cult
leaders not being formally accused or convicted of serious crimes. Therefore, without
specific evidence to the contrary, most cult leaders do not meet this criterion.
(2) deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning for personal
profit or pleasure This criterion has been reported applicable by ex-cult members to some
cult leaders. This criterion therefore appears to be characteristic of some cult leaders.
(3) impulsivity or failure to plan ahead.
Insufficient data is available at this time to determine whether or not this criterion is met.
(4) irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults.
As reported by some ex-cult members, some members have experienced physical assaults
by cult leaders, as well as aggressiveness or irritability or both.
(5) reckless disregard for the safety of self or others.
Insufficient data is available regarding this criterion.
(6) consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work
behavior or honor financial obligations.
Cult leaders have been implicated in lack of financial integrity, which includes failure to
honor financial obligations, including both fraud and misuse of monies ostensibly collected
for cult ―ministry needs.‖
(7) lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt,
mistreated or stolen from another.
The leader‘s lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having
hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another has been reported by ex-cult members.
B. The individual is at least age 18 years.
Adult cult leaders meet this criterion.
C. There is evidence of Conduct Disorder (see p. 90) with onset before age 15 years.
Data is not available regarding the childhood background of cult leaders.
D. The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of
schizophrenia or a Manic Episode.
