Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 2 No. 1 1985, Page 14
Black scale =Destructiveness Scale
Light scale =Circumstances Scale
Figure 1. Respondents range of ratings for dangerousness and circumstances
Table 2 lists all 60 activities along with their mean ―dangerousness‖ ratings and standard (z)
scores. Seven of these 60 received z-scores above 1.00 (indicating a rating in excess of I
standard deviation above the mean), while 10 activities received scores below -1.00
(indicating a rating at least I standard deviation below the mean).
Table 2
Experts‘ Mean Ratings of Destructive Group Practices
Dangerousness Circumstances
Practice Mean Z Mean
Rating Score Rating
Mind-control is used without conscious
consent of members 5.00 1.31 4.89
The group approves of violence against
enemies (e.g.‖satanic communists‖) 5.00 1.31 4.74
The group uses sexual abuse,
physical/mental punishment
for members who stray 5.00 1.31 4.89
Members regress to childlike dependency,
becoming totally obedient to the group 4.95 1.22 4.79
Young women are directed to use their bodies
for [PARA]the purpose of recruiting or of
manipulating political figures 4.95 1.22 4.89
Uses coercive persuasion (mind control) 4.89 1.13 4.78
Loyalty to group is maintained by threatening
soul, life or limb 4.84 1.05 .79
The group is supported financially by a
secret agency of our own or a foreign
government 4.76 0.92 4.65
Has totalitarian world view (―us‖ against ―them‖) 4.74 0.89 4.68
Members believe that to leave the group would
be death or eternal damnation for themselves
Black scale =Destructiveness Scale
Light scale =Circumstances Scale
Figure 1. Respondents range of ratings for dangerousness and circumstances
Table 2 lists all 60 activities along with their mean ―dangerousness‖ ratings and standard (z)
scores. Seven of these 60 received z-scores above 1.00 (indicating a rating in excess of I
standard deviation above the mean), while 10 activities received scores below -1.00
(indicating a rating at least I standard deviation below the mean).
Table 2
Experts‘ Mean Ratings of Destructive Group Practices
Dangerousness Circumstances
Practice Mean Z Mean
Rating Score Rating
Mind-control is used without conscious
consent of members 5.00 1.31 4.89
The group approves of violence against
enemies (e.g.‖satanic communists‖) 5.00 1.31 4.74
The group uses sexual abuse,
physical/mental punishment
for members who stray 5.00 1.31 4.89
Members regress to childlike dependency,
becoming totally obedient to the group 4.95 1.22 4.79
Young women are directed to use their bodies
for [PARA]the purpose of recruiting or of
manipulating political figures 4.95 1.22 4.89
Uses coercive persuasion (mind control) 4.89 1.13 4.78
Loyalty to group is maintained by threatening
soul, life or limb 4.84 1.05 .79
The group is supported financially by a
secret agency of our own or a foreign
government 4.76 0.92 4.65
Has totalitarian world view (―us‖ against ―them‖) 4.74 0.89 4.68
Members believe that to leave the group would
be death or eternal damnation for themselves
