Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 12, No. 2, 1995, page 10
or other specialists and reason) relationships with leaders (including sexual activity, if
any) criminal or unethical acts, such as activities involving drugs, weapons, fraud, violence
by leaders or members (obtain documentation, if possible) methods of influence used in
the group major group beliefs with respect to religion, politics, personal behavior (sex,
marriage) participant‟s relationships with parents and other family members incidents of
abuse, exploitation, deception (documentation, witnesses) other distinguishing beliefs and
attitudes. Inquire about group‟s use of guilt and shame, and activities or thoughts these
would revolve around. Inquire about times when participant was angry, depressed, scared,
suicidal, exhilarated, joyful, or loving note peak and bleak experiences. Also inquire about
positive experiences in the group and benefits received from the experience.
Postcult Experiences
What were the circumstances of the person‟s departure from the group? Include reactions of
the group and other significant influences, including exit counseling, rehabilitation,
psychotherapy, hospitalizations, and education. Describe any floating episodes feelings of
guilt relationships to family, group, significant others current values, religion, politics,
personal goals educational and vocational progress present-day evaluation of experience,
including recommendations to other former members financial situation mental and
physical health. Inquire into ways in which the group experience contributed positively to
postcult adjustment (e.g., “I have given up drugs,” or “I learned how to organize my
time.”).
Sources
Like the investigative reporter or the social worker (Gilgun, 1994), the case study preparer
uses relevant available sources of information about the person with permission. The
researcher may use such informants as parents and relatives, friends, school personnel,
clergy, and even group members and leaders. Often written records--newspaper stories,
diaries, letters, and court, school, and hospital records --can help document the case.
Professional psychologists are qualified to administer and interpret standardized tests,
rating scales, inventories, and questionnaires to measure many aspects of the participant‟s
current personality. If consultation is advisable in selecting instruments, it is essential that
the psychologist understand the specific research objectives and be familiar with the nature
of the cult experience. For instance, temporary dissociation should not be confused with
psychosis (Martin, Langone, Dole, &Wiltrout, 1992). Recognize the participant‟s readiness
for assessment. The Wellspring battery (Martin et al., 1992), which has been administered
to more than 200 cult victims before and after rehabilitation, is a valuable model. It includes
measures of personal adjustment (Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory), acute posttraumatic
stress (Staff Burnout Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and psychiatric
symptomatology (Hopkins Symptom Checklist), plus a clinical interview.
A Note to Researchers
Interviewers and researchers who have not previously conducted qualitative research on
cultic groups should realize that some people may have difficulty in managing attitudes that
might overly influence their methods of inquiry. After a preparatory trial experience (which
can be role-played), consider an individual or a group consultation with an experienced
specialist to obtain an objective evaluation of your attitudes.
Whether or not to use standardized tests and measurements, which to apply, and when to
give them are puzzling issues for some researchers. In such instances, consultation is
recommended. As a general rule, use a standardized psychological test, a personal
characteristics form, or an attitude survey in the following instances:
The desired datum is concrete, the range of responses limited (Likert scale in an
or other specialists and reason) relationships with leaders (including sexual activity, if
any) criminal or unethical acts, such as activities involving drugs, weapons, fraud, violence
by leaders or members (obtain documentation, if possible) methods of influence used in
the group major group beliefs with respect to religion, politics, personal behavior (sex,
marriage) participant‟s relationships with parents and other family members incidents of
abuse, exploitation, deception (documentation, witnesses) other distinguishing beliefs and
attitudes. Inquire about group‟s use of guilt and shame, and activities or thoughts these
would revolve around. Inquire about times when participant was angry, depressed, scared,
suicidal, exhilarated, joyful, or loving note peak and bleak experiences. Also inquire about
positive experiences in the group and benefits received from the experience.
Postcult Experiences
What were the circumstances of the person‟s departure from the group? Include reactions of
the group and other significant influences, including exit counseling, rehabilitation,
psychotherapy, hospitalizations, and education. Describe any floating episodes feelings of
guilt relationships to family, group, significant others current values, religion, politics,
personal goals educational and vocational progress present-day evaluation of experience,
including recommendations to other former members financial situation mental and
physical health. Inquire into ways in which the group experience contributed positively to
postcult adjustment (e.g., “I have given up drugs,” or “I learned how to organize my
time.”).
Sources
Like the investigative reporter or the social worker (Gilgun, 1994), the case study preparer
uses relevant available sources of information about the person with permission. The
researcher may use such informants as parents and relatives, friends, school personnel,
clergy, and even group members and leaders. Often written records--newspaper stories,
diaries, letters, and court, school, and hospital records --can help document the case.
Professional psychologists are qualified to administer and interpret standardized tests,
rating scales, inventories, and questionnaires to measure many aspects of the participant‟s
current personality. If consultation is advisable in selecting instruments, it is essential that
the psychologist understand the specific research objectives and be familiar with the nature
of the cult experience. For instance, temporary dissociation should not be confused with
psychosis (Martin, Langone, Dole, &Wiltrout, 1992). Recognize the participant‟s readiness
for assessment. The Wellspring battery (Martin et al., 1992), which has been administered
to more than 200 cult victims before and after rehabilitation, is a valuable model. It includes
measures of personal adjustment (Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory), acute posttraumatic
stress (Staff Burnout Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and psychiatric
symptomatology (Hopkins Symptom Checklist), plus a clinical interview.
A Note to Researchers
Interviewers and researchers who have not previously conducted qualitative research on
cultic groups should realize that some people may have difficulty in managing attitudes that
might overly influence their methods of inquiry. After a preparatory trial experience (which
can be role-played), consider an individual or a group consultation with an experienced
specialist to obtain an objective evaluation of your attitudes.
Whether or not to use standardized tests and measurements, which to apply, and when to
give them are puzzling issues for some researchers. In such instances, consultation is
recommended. As a general rule, use a standardized psychological test, a personal
characteristics form, or an attitude survey in the following instances:
The desired datum is concrete, the range of responses limited (Likert scale in an
