Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 6, No. 2, 1989, Page 5
Deprogramming: A Case Study
Part 1: Personal observations of the Group Process
Steve K. Dubrow-Eichel, Ph.D.
RETIRN – Re-Entry, Therapy, Information &Referral Network
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Abstract
This issue of the Cultic Studies Journal presents detailed impressions of the
deprogramming of an International society for Krishna Consciousness
(ISKCON) devotee. The five-day-long successful deprogramming was
observed and audiotaped. The deprogramming team consisted of three
primary and two secondary deprogrammers. This deprogramming was a
persuasive conversation and moral discourse in which the primary activities
were asking for and receiving information (education), and self-disclosing
(affiliation). It relied initially on the establishment of rapport and trust
between the devotee and his deprogrammers, which subsequently permitted
the devotee to consider discrepancies between ISKCON philosophy and
actions without feeling threatened. Qualitatively, the deprogramming has
distinct “formal” (cultist-focused) and “casual” (subgroup-focused) modes. To
study the deprogramming process in greater detail and with enhanced
objectivity, segments of the audiotapes representing the beginning,
redecision (“snapping”), and ending stages of the deprogramming were
subjected to content and process analyses these results will be presented in
a future article.
Chapter I
Introduction
The process of deprogramming – the sometimes forced re-evaluation of cult beliefs and
behaviors – has arguably been the single most controversial topic in the field of cultic
studies. Media and even some academic and presumably more “respectable” presentations
of deprogramming have ranged considerably (from the fanatically positive to the virulently
negative) in their assessment of this activity.
The need to demystify this complex but fascinating process seemed obvious, and this study
was, to my knowledge, the first systematic process study of deprogramming. The study
involved observing and audiotaping a 5-day successful deprogramming of an International
society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) devotee (“Ken”). In closely examining this
single deprogramming, I wanted to pay particular attention to three processes: (a) the
quality of the cult member‟s participation in the deconversion process (b) the quality and
quantity of verbal interchange and information exchange between deprogrammer(s) and
cult member and (c) the perceived focus and motility of the cult member‟s attention. The
study also considered the relationship between these processes and consciousness.
Overview of the Organization of This Study
In this study, I qualitatively examined the deprogramming in its entirety. I then closely
investigated the three most significant deprogramming events (the beginning of the
deprogramming, the point at which the cultist renounced his cult membership, and the end
of the deprogramming).
Deprogramming: A Case Study
Part 1: Personal observations of the Group Process
Steve K. Dubrow-Eichel, Ph.D.
RETIRN – Re-Entry, Therapy, Information &Referral Network
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Abstract
This issue of the Cultic Studies Journal presents detailed impressions of the
deprogramming of an International society for Krishna Consciousness
(ISKCON) devotee. The five-day-long successful deprogramming was
observed and audiotaped. The deprogramming team consisted of three
primary and two secondary deprogrammers. This deprogramming was a
persuasive conversation and moral discourse in which the primary activities
were asking for and receiving information (education), and self-disclosing
(affiliation). It relied initially on the establishment of rapport and trust
between the devotee and his deprogrammers, which subsequently permitted
the devotee to consider discrepancies between ISKCON philosophy and
actions without feeling threatened. Qualitatively, the deprogramming has
distinct “formal” (cultist-focused) and “casual” (subgroup-focused) modes. To
study the deprogramming process in greater detail and with enhanced
objectivity, segments of the audiotapes representing the beginning,
redecision (“snapping”), and ending stages of the deprogramming were
subjected to content and process analyses these results will be presented in
a future article.
Chapter I
Introduction
The process of deprogramming – the sometimes forced re-evaluation of cult beliefs and
behaviors – has arguably been the single most controversial topic in the field of cultic
studies. Media and even some academic and presumably more “respectable” presentations
of deprogramming have ranged considerably (from the fanatically positive to the virulently
negative) in their assessment of this activity.
The need to demystify this complex but fascinating process seemed obvious, and this study
was, to my knowledge, the first systematic process study of deprogramming. The study
involved observing and audiotaping a 5-day successful deprogramming of an International
society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) devotee (“Ken”). In closely examining this
single deprogramming, I wanted to pay particular attention to three processes: (a) the
quality of the cult member‟s participation in the deconversion process (b) the quality and
quantity of verbal interchange and information exchange between deprogrammer(s) and
cult member and (c) the perceived focus and motility of the cult member‟s attention. The
study also considered the relationship between these processes and consciousness.
Overview of the Organization of This Study
In this study, I qualitatively examined the deprogramming in its entirety. I then closely
investigated the three most significant deprogramming events (the beginning of the
deprogramming, the point at which the cultist renounced his cult membership, and the end
of the deprogramming).
