Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 18, 2001, Page 18
Only correctly formulated hypotheses can lead to research that is valid and useful.
Unfortunately, in this field the research hypotheses are too often poorly formulated or too
theoretical and abstract to be of practical use.
Another problem is that the subject samples of research in this field tend to be inadequate
(e.g., only ex-members, only current members). Perhaps researchers should try to study
current and former members of one group with a battery of instruments (tests, surveys,
etc.). Naturally, in this case it is very important to use well-validated and appropriate
instruments.
Much research in this field seems to focus only on superficial aspects of the group's
functioning, rather than the mechanisms that influence a person's joining or leaving a
group. This research, which sometimes seems like an apologetic for controversial groups,
may be published in books or presented at conferences, but it does nothing to help people
or prevent damage to families or society. The funding sources of such research should be
disclosed to the public, whether it is conducted in universities or in independent research
centers.
Intervene in Order to Help
In order to help people effectively, it is necessary to create specialized, multidisciplinary
centers isolated initiatives by individuals or therapists working alone simply won't suffice. I
believe that such centers should include the following:
Former members of groups and family members of people who have been or are
involved in cults.
Mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors)
with specialized knowledge about the techniques of psychological control that may be
found in cults. In particular, where little children are concerned, it is necessary to have
psychologists familiar with the developmental issues of children, as well as cults.
Family therapists with a special expertise in treating families troubled over the group
involvement of a family member.
Scholars familiar with the various doctrines embraced by cults. I believe that it is not
possible to effectively help people influenced by groups without understanding the
doctrines of the group in question. This is because each cult makes different promises
and is founded on different truths. In order to help members or former members, it is
necessary to learn the specific language of his or her group. Ignoring this linguistic issue
would be analogous to speaking Chinese to a Mexican when neither person knows the
other's language. Therapy rests on accurate communication and empathy. Without
finding the proper linguistic channel, one cannot communicate or demonstrate empathy,
so the intervention will be ineffective. Naturally, it is the therapist's responsibility to
learn the new language, not the client's.
Experts on the legal aspects of the cult problem who can work with professionals
employed by the courts to resolve concrete cases.
The centers that I propose would help the following kinds of persons:
Whoever may have been contacted by a group or suspects that a relative may be
affiliating with a group could request information that would increase his or her
knowledge of the group and/or help prevent a potentially harmful affiliation.
Families worried about a loved one involved in a group. These people need, first of all, to
learn about the group in question. They also need help in responding respectfully to
their loved one's affiliation so as to avoid fragmenting their families. Experience teaches
us that if relatives become adequately informed, they are better able to deal with the
Only correctly formulated hypotheses can lead to research that is valid and useful.
Unfortunately, in this field the research hypotheses are too often poorly formulated or too
theoretical and abstract to be of practical use.
Another problem is that the subject samples of research in this field tend to be inadequate
(e.g., only ex-members, only current members). Perhaps researchers should try to study
current and former members of one group with a battery of instruments (tests, surveys,
etc.). Naturally, in this case it is very important to use well-validated and appropriate
instruments.
Much research in this field seems to focus only on superficial aspects of the group's
functioning, rather than the mechanisms that influence a person's joining or leaving a
group. This research, which sometimes seems like an apologetic for controversial groups,
may be published in books or presented at conferences, but it does nothing to help people
or prevent damage to families or society. The funding sources of such research should be
disclosed to the public, whether it is conducted in universities or in independent research
centers.
Intervene in Order to Help
In order to help people effectively, it is necessary to create specialized, multidisciplinary
centers isolated initiatives by individuals or therapists working alone simply won't suffice. I
believe that such centers should include the following:
Former members of groups and family members of people who have been or are
involved in cults.
Mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors)
with specialized knowledge about the techniques of psychological control that may be
found in cults. In particular, where little children are concerned, it is necessary to have
psychologists familiar with the developmental issues of children, as well as cults.
Family therapists with a special expertise in treating families troubled over the group
involvement of a family member.
Scholars familiar with the various doctrines embraced by cults. I believe that it is not
possible to effectively help people influenced by groups without understanding the
doctrines of the group in question. This is because each cult makes different promises
and is founded on different truths. In order to help members or former members, it is
necessary to learn the specific language of his or her group. Ignoring this linguistic issue
would be analogous to speaking Chinese to a Mexican when neither person knows the
other's language. Therapy rests on accurate communication and empathy. Without
finding the proper linguistic channel, one cannot communicate or demonstrate empathy,
so the intervention will be ineffective. Naturally, it is the therapist's responsibility to
learn the new language, not the client's.
Experts on the legal aspects of the cult problem who can work with professionals
employed by the courts to resolve concrete cases.
The centers that I propose would help the following kinds of persons:
Whoever may have been contacted by a group or suspects that a relative may be
affiliating with a group could request information that would increase his or her
knowledge of the group and/or help prevent a potentially harmful affiliation.
Families worried about a loved one involved in a group. These people need, first of all, to
learn about the group in question. They also need help in responding respectfully to
their loved one's affiliation so as to avoid fragmenting their families. Experience teaches
us that if relatives become adequately informed, they are better able to deal with the
