Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2010, Page 34
reversible, while the malignant form is major, lasting or even irreversible. The former brings
with it beneficial, therapeutic effects the latter is pathogenic and can potentially result in
insurmountable problems for the patient and the analysis. Balint noted that ―regression is
not only an intrapsychic phenomenon, but also an interpersonal one‖ (Balint, 1979: 147).
Referring to the main characteristics of the malignant form of regression, Balint notes that
most cases ...show the following picture: (1) since the mutually trusting
relationship is highly precariously balanced ...the unsuspecting atmosphere
breaks down repeatedly, and frequently symptoms of desperate clinging
develop as safeguards and reassurance against another possible breakdown
(2) a malignant form of regression, several unsuccessful attempts at reaching
a new beginning, a constant threat of an unending spiral of demands or
needs, and of development of addiction-like states (3) the regression is
aimed at gratification by external action (4) suspiciously high intensity of
demands, expectations, or ‗needs‘ (5) presence of signs of severe hysteria in
the clinical picture, and of genital-orgiastic elements both in the normal and in
the regressed form of transference. (Balint, 1979: 146)
In group terms, the unconscious bond between leader and followers tends to be malignantly
regressive, and also bidirectional, so that the group process unleashes regression in the
leader as well as the members. In the clinical material to be presented, such a folie (and
pathological regression) process occurred. Strong ties were established between the leader
(a music teacher) and the followers (his music students). At a few key moments the
followers were dazzled by the Teacher,5 which led to intense attachment followed by mutual
regression. As the group members became increasingly reliant on the leader, they took on
his paranoid anxiety and the group became more cult-like.
According to Volkan‘s psychoanalytical contributions to large-group regression (2007: 151),
numerous signs indicate when group regression has become malignant. I see these signs as
extremely relevant when we are evaluating the degree of risk posed by a cult. The criteria
Volkan defined are
1) the development of an absolute conviction of possession of ―the truth‖
2) an undisputed leader who sets himself up as sole authority
3) indications that the group has begun to exhibit convictions of magical powers and
omnipotence
4) the appearance of pessimistic attitudes in the group
5) the coexistence of feelings of omnipotence and victimization in group members
6) the construction of psychological barriers (and even physical barriers in certain
groups) between the group and the rest of the world
7) the expectation of attack from or fear of persons outside the group
8) alterations in family function, parental relations, and even sexual behavior and
9) the appearance of an altered system of moral standards that is shared by the
members of the group.
As I will try to show in this paper, the separation anxieties of the members themselves—
many of them involved in desperate attempts to free themselves from their families—
together with an intense identification with the Teacher led to a style of relating
characterized by intense idealization and malignant regression, which progressively led to
isolation and a state of withdrawal similar to that which we can observe in cults and clinical
situations of folie.
reversible, while the malignant form is major, lasting or even irreversible. The former brings
with it beneficial, therapeutic effects the latter is pathogenic and can potentially result in
insurmountable problems for the patient and the analysis. Balint noted that ―regression is
not only an intrapsychic phenomenon, but also an interpersonal one‖ (Balint, 1979: 147).
Referring to the main characteristics of the malignant form of regression, Balint notes that
most cases ...show the following picture: (1) since the mutually trusting
relationship is highly precariously balanced ...the unsuspecting atmosphere
breaks down repeatedly, and frequently symptoms of desperate clinging
develop as safeguards and reassurance against another possible breakdown
(2) a malignant form of regression, several unsuccessful attempts at reaching
a new beginning, a constant threat of an unending spiral of demands or
needs, and of development of addiction-like states (3) the regression is
aimed at gratification by external action (4) suspiciously high intensity of
demands, expectations, or ‗needs‘ (5) presence of signs of severe hysteria in
the clinical picture, and of genital-orgiastic elements both in the normal and in
the regressed form of transference. (Balint, 1979: 146)
In group terms, the unconscious bond between leader and followers tends to be malignantly
regressive, and also bidirectional, so that the group process unleashes regression in the
leader as well as the members. In the clinical material to be presented, such a folie (and
pathological regression) process occurred. Strong ties were established between the leader
(a music teacher) and the followers (his music students). At a few key moments the
followers were dazzled by the Teacher,5 which led to intense attachment followed by mutual
regression. As the group members became increasingly reliant on the leader, they took on
his paranoid anxiety and the group became more cult-like.
According to Volkan‘s psychoanalytical contributions to large-group regression (2007: 151),
numerous signs indicate when group regression has become malignant. I see these signs as
extremely relevant when we are evaluating the degree of risk posed by a cult. The criteria
Volkan defined are
1) the development of an absolute conviction of possession of ―the truth‖
2) an undisputed leader who sets himself up as sole authority
3) indications that the group has begun to exhibit convictions of magical powers and
omnipotence
4) the appearance of pessimistic attitudes in the group
5) the coexistence of feelings of omnipotence and victimization in group members
6) the construction of psychological barriers (and even physical barriers in certain
groups) between the group and the rest of the world
7) the expectation of attack from or fear of persons outside the group
8) alterations in family function, parental relations, and even sexual behavior and
9) the appearance of an altered system of moral standards that is shared by the
members of the group.
As I will try to show in this paper, the separation anxieties of the members themselves—
many of them involved in desperate attempts to free themselves from their families—
together with an intense identification with the Teacher led to a style of relating
characterized by intense idealization and malignant regression, which progressively led to
isolation and a state of withdrawal similar to that which we can observe in cults and clinical
situations of folie.
