In an article from Cult Recovery 101, “Working with Cult Survivors” by Gillie Jenkinson, Jenkinson talks about what a cult is, including the psychological techniques cults use. Cults use psychological techniques to lure in people. At first, cults start out to be a group of people that are passionate and devoted to the same person, ideas, or beliefs. Becoming a welcoming and safe environment, then turning dark, using people’s beliefs against them. If members broke a rule or did something that was disrespectful to the cult, it will lead to physical punishments, such as sexual abuse and beating. People join cults without any knowledge of any harm, all they see is a place where they are heard, feel included, and belong. In the article, Jenkinson proclaims, “ …commitment and consistency – once someone has been manipulated into making the initial commitment, they will be more ready to agree to further requests … liking – people tend to say yes to requests from people they know and like, so cults will often present a friendly and loving face … mystical manipulation – contrived spontaneity creates mystique, which is then used to justify manipulation … the cult of confession – recruits are pressured into confessing ‘sins’, ‘lack of enlightenment’ or ‘negativity’ and is then used against them by the group or cult leader … doctrine over person – the belief system is more important than the reality and wellbeing of individuals … dispensing of existence – the group or cult leader decides who has the right to exist and who does not …”. Jenkinson also mentioned that these psychological techniques could create control, leading to identity loss and confusion in someone’s life, which can be known as cult pseudo personality.
