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

Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 18, 2001, Page 19
new and stressful family situation without succumbing to aggression or violent
discussions, which can rupture family bonds. This is especially important when children
or young children are involved. When a loved one joins a group that is not destructive,
informed and supportive relatives are better able to learn to live in peace with their
relative's new beliefs. On the other hand, if the youngster gets involved with a
destructive group, the family will be less likely to remain passive if the leader's demands
tend to isolate the member from his or her family. Thus, a prepared and supportive
family can be an antidote against cults that may be inclined to degenerate toward
destructive forms of influence. If members maintain contact with their loved ones
outside the group, they will be less likely to submit passively to the four forms of control
elaborated upon by Hassan (behavior, information, thought, and emotional control --
B.I.T.E.).
 Persons who are having difficulty leaving a group or who have left and need help in
recovering the balance and individuality that were damaged by the group experience.
In conclusion, I must unfortunately lament the fact that in Italy such a center does not
exist. A few individuals associated with GRIS will talk to people seeking help and
information. A few psychologists and psychiatrists help people affected by the cult
phenomenon, but they work in isolation. Centers specializing in helping ex-members do not
exist. In summary, many who seek help and contact us by phone or fax, unfortunately,
receive no help.
Multidisciplinary Research Agenda on Cults: Goals and Issues
I believe it is advisable to state in advance of what I will say below that those who wish to
participate in a common effort to study objectively all the questions involved in the diffusion
of new cults must keep this important point in mind, at minimum as a theoretical possibility:
some groups may perpetrate various types of abuses on members by taking advantage of
their psychological suggestibility in regard to the leader or the group itself. I do not believe
it is possible to initiate a common research agenda unless the so-called ―cult sympathizers‖
overcome their knee-jerk tendency to ―veto‖ this question. I think they should accept the
reality of the facts that clearly demonstrate how abuses of persons may sometimes be not
only physical, nor only tied to trickery and deceit, but also psychological, even if of different
intensity and nature from case to case.
So-called ―cult critics,‖ on their part, should overcome the tendency to criticize all cults all
the time. They should keep in mind and accept the reality that there are groups that are
absolutely innocuous and not deserving of the epithet ―cult.‖ Cult critics should avoid
overemphasizing the reach of ―mind control,‖ even in those groups where it may be
effectively carried out. It is very difficult for a leader to exercise total control over a person's
mind so as to reduce him to a state of total dependence and to annihilate totally his
personality. Mind control may be exercised on different levels, and the same type of mind
control will not obtain the same effect on all persons because the dispositions of individuals
also play an important role.
If either party doesn't overcome its extreme and prejudicial positions, I do not
believe that a real dialogue will be possible, and this will certainly be unfortunate for
affected persons and religious liberty. It will, however, play to the advantage of destructive
groups and will leave undeterred those people who will continue to harm victims.
Some Goals for a Common Research Agenda on Cults
I believe that there are several common goals, which do not strictly concern scientific
matters, but which to me appear to be based on common values on which the purely
scientific goals of research ultimately rest. I mean to say that if one does not consent to
these general goals, it seems to me that it is not possible to acknowledge the objectives