Cults: A Psychological Perspective

<p>Cults are communities that are seen as odd or strange. Lack of research done on cults makes it a phenomenon in society. With the help of evolutionary, social, and cognitive psychology, this phenomenon was analyzed and the behavior of the cult and its members were explained. Analysis of cults showed that there is an evolutionary need for them, for they are used as a means for social bonds and resources. Next, the identity of cult members was analyzed using a conveyor belt type method starting with social-identity followed by self-categorization and ending with deindividualization. Cult members then make decisions using a funnel-type of model starting with the charismatic leader, followed by propaganda, and then bounded rationality. Finally, forms of social influence like obedience conformity, and compliance keep members in the group and psychologically prevent them from leaving. After evaluating cults, I came to the conclusion that they are no different from any other group; the same psychological theories used to explain the behavior of other groups largely applies to cults, making them an average group from a psychological perspective.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Psychology

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2018

Author dc:creator

• Best, Jonica V. Carlton

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Brandt Smith
• Dr. Aisha Adams
• Dr. Diana Riser

• Cults
• Psychology
• Theories
• Influence
• Groups
• Community Psychology
• Social Psychology

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/361

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:csuepress.columbusstate.edu:theses_dissertations-1356