Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 9, No. 2, 1992, Page 10
When members have left these groups, they have been ostracized by rules forbidding contact
with other members and in one case by attempts to ostracize the therapists of former
members (Conason &McGarrahan, 1986). Persecution of former members has been reported,
including the use of violence (Anson, 1978 Span, 1988). Some groups have also ejected
members (Black, 1975 Conason &McGarrahan, 1986 Span, 1988) in a process that has
been described as a purging, which induces greater fear in the remaining members.
After the intensive and all-encompassing nature of such group participation, separation poses
major adjustments for departing members. Members‟ identities, social support, sources of
information, and personal identity all become dependent on the group (Black, 1975 Temerlin
&Temerlin, 1986). Outside relationships and interests diminish. As a result, group members
who leave experience major psychological and practical losses and typically experience
significant adjustment problems (Singer &Ofshe, 1990).
Conclusions
The most evident generalization to be drawn from these data is that the violations of key
elements of established ethical guidelines are of a different order from the violations usually
discussed in texts, articles, and ethics committees. For example, in the matter of dual
relationships, these groups do not simply permit these to occur more frequently multiple
relationships between therapists and clients are actively pursued and encouraged and are
presented as a positive element in therapy. These and other practices that contradict
consensual ethical guidelines appear to be systematic, intentional, and in opposition to the
intent of most standards to protect client autonomy. They stand the content and purposes of
ethical standards on their heads.
A second generalization involves the interlocking effects of these practices. Taken individually,
they may develop from minor to more extensive deviations from established norms but
combined, they appear to create a new gestalt of influences and ties that contain much
greater potential for harm to clients than is present in conventional individual and group
therapy.
The data also suggest that there does not yet exist any concerted or systematic effort by
scholars or professional groups to investigate and address the problems posed by such
groups. While there are serious problems associated with conducting more thorough research,
we believe that it is in the interests of the public and the profession to do so. In an era of
pervasive loneliness and the deterioration of family, community, and social supports, it seems
likely that such groups will continue to emerge in many places and under a variety of rubrics.
Extending the effort begun by this study would appear to be one profitable avenue of
continued research. Further definition of specific practices and patterns of conduct that can be
identified across groups would give at least a rough set of criteria by which interested profes-
sionals and laypersons could evaluate the characteristics of groups that come to their
attention. In addition to refining the criteria used in this study, practices in recruitment,
member involvement, leader behavior, content and application of therapy rationales, and
relations with the community and other professionals might well be included in continued
research.
While it may be notably difficult to secure such information, the results would be more and
better generalizations about such groups. This would provide a much better basis for studying
their impact on individuals during and after their involvement, and the processes by which
they enter and eventually exit. This, we hope, might provide better guidance and supports for
individuals who are at risk for being drawn into involvements that would be ultimately harmful
for them. It might also raise more distant questions about how to distinguish between
practices and communities in which clients benefit from substantial personal involvement,
such as continuing participation in self-help groups, and those practices and communities
When members have left these groups, they have been ostracized by rules forbidding contact
with other members and in one case by attempts to ostracize the therapists of former
members (Conason &McGarrahan, 1986). Persecution of former members has been reported,
including the use of violence (Anson, 1978 Span, 1988). Some groups have also ejected
members (Black, 1975 Conason &McGarrahan, 1986 Span, 1988) in a process that has
been described as a purging, which induces greater fear in the remaining members.
After the intensive and all-encompassing nature of such group participation, separation poses
major adjustments for departing members. Members‟ identities, social support, sources of
information, and personal identity all become dependent on the group (Black, 1975 Temerlin
&Temerlin, 1986). Outside relationships and interests diminish. As a result, group members
who leave experience major psychological and practical losses and typically experience
significant adjustment problems (Singer &Ofshe, 1990).
Conclusions
The most evident generalization to be drawn from these data is that the violations of key
elements of established ethical guidelines are of a different order from the violations usually
discussed in texts, articles, and ethics committees. For example, in the matter of dual
relationships, these groups do not simply permit these to occur more frequently multiple
relationships between therapists and clients are actively pursued and encouraged and are
presented as a positive element in therapy. These and other practices that contradict
consensual ethical guidelines appear to be systematic, intentional, and in opposition to the
intent of most standards to protect client autonomy. They stand the content and purposes of
ethical standards on their heads.
A second generalization involves the interlocking effects of these practices. Taken individually,
they may develop from minor to more extensive deviations from established norms but
combined, they appear to create a new gestalt of influences and ties that contain much
greater potential for harm to clients than is present in conventional individual and group
therapy.
The data also suggest that there does not yet exist any concerted or systematic effort by
scholars or professional groups to investigate and address the problems posed by such
groups. While there are serious problems associated with conducting more thorough research,
we believe that it is in the interests of the public and the profession to do so. In an era of
pervasive loneliness and the deterioration of family, community, and social supports, it seems
likely that such groups will continue to emerge in many places and under a variety of rubrics.
Extending the effort begun by this study would appear to be one profitable avenue of
continued research. Further definition of specific practices and patterns of conduct that can be
identified across groups would give at least a rough set of criteria by which interested profes-
sionals and laypersons could evaluate the characteristics of groups that come to their
attention. In addition to refining the criteria used in this study, practices in recruitment,
member involvement, leader behavior, content and application of therapy rationales, and
relations with the community and other professionals might well be included in continued
research.
While it may be notably difficult to secure such information, the results would be more and
better generalizations about such groups. This would provide a much better basis for studying
their impact on individuals during and after their involvement, and the processes by which
they enter and eventually exit. This, we hope, might provide better guidance and supports for
individuals who are at risk for being drawn into involvements that would be ultimately harmful
for them. It might also raise more distant questions about how to distinguish between
practices and communities in which clients benefit from substantial personal involvement,
such as continuing participation in self-help groups, and those practices and communities
