Q36: The Psychology Behind Cult Behavior

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Behaviorism
When I was in my doctorate program, I learned about cult behavior. I also studied behaviorists such as Bandura, Skinner, Pavlov, Thorndike, and etc. Bandura and Thorndike are my two favorites not only because they were involved in the future of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), but because I firmly believe that our behaviors are learned and begin in childhood. Everything that we learn, as I always say on social media and to parents, begins on the playground in elementary school. I grew up in psychology learning about play behaviors such as rough and tumble, solitary, and imaginative play. If you observe children on the playground, you can discover why negative behaviors in children occur including bullying, as well as the type of children who follow bullies. The followers of bullies and children who played solitary were most interesting to me in graduate school.

​My mother constantly reminded me, "Have your own mind Lisa," "Be a leader and not a follower Lisa," and most importantly, "If your friend jumps off of a bridge, are you going to follow them?" I would always answer, "no" and she would reply, "Exactly." I did not realizing then how significant the latter would mean in my life as I grew into an adult. My mother was adamant about prayer, creating your own path, using your own mind, having your own wealth, and making good choices. I mimic the same principals with my own children.

​As a parent, I was never perfect and neither was my own mother. However, she wanted me to understand my worth. In return, I wanted to firmly instill in my children that they sure loved themselves, understood their worth as I do. Of importance to me is that my children will NOT compromise their integrity, especially for another person, and that person should not ask them to either.

My mother gave me the foundation to study behaviorism; unknowingly, as she was shaping my behaviors. Once I became a mother and studied psychology with a new baby in graduate school, I would often mentally regress back to the lessons that I learned from my mother and on the playground as a child. While some children gained more skills with how to bully others, and the followers seemed weak and ignorant, I also observed how manipulation led to  power. You see, even then there were certain characteristics of children who conformed to bullying behaviors and almost worshipped them.

Once I was taught the psychology behind conformity in graduate (doctorate level) school, I put the pieces together. What is happening in politics with regard to behavioral norms including cult-like behaviors is not new, nor is it a mystery. Group polarization seems to be central theme in American politics right now meaning, less independent thinking and more attitude change due to the influence of the group. Making the best choice for a group is not as important than following a specific leader despite that leader's actions. Yet, here we are in American politics and we should be embarrassed about our current political state.

"I am embarrassed."

Cult-Like Behavior
A consistent question that I see on social media that I am paraphrasing is, "Why do some people's behaviors in politics seem cult-like?" My response is that many of these individuals are opportunists, compromise their integrity, and that it is all theater. However, that does not address the question. Some of the behaviors shown in the news do remind me of behaviors that I studied surrounding joining cults. Cults meaning, the impression of worshiping a person and/or following a person despite their actions, (e.g., I see the wrongdoing, but I am going to follow that person regardless of their actions because it benefits me). Cults, also known as new religious movements or high-demand groups, are typically characterized by their charismatic leaders, rigid belief systems, and high levels of control over their members. Remember the phrase, "Don't drink the koolaid?

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First, let's explore the reasons why your political observations may seem similar to cult-like behaviors. People join cults for a variety of reasons which can be deeply personal and complex. Some common factors associated with joining cults are written below, and I underlined those behaviors that may specifically address your political cult-like behavior questions:

1. Search for Meaning and Purpose: A sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging in individual's lives can cause them to believe that cults provide answers to life's big questions and gives them a clear sense of purpose.
2. Personal Crises: Trauma, death, and other major life tragedies a can cause vulnerable to the allure of a cult.
3. Desire for Community: Cults often present themselves as close-knit communities that provide a sense of belonging, acceptance, and camaraderie. 
4. Seeking Self-Improvement: Some cults promise personal growth, self-improvement, and spiritual development. 
5. Charismatic Leadership: Charismatic leaders have a unique ability to inspire and attract followers. People are drawn to leaders who exude confidence, charm, and authority, and they may be more willing to follow such leaders unquestioningly.

1. Unconventional Beliefs: Some individuals are naturally drawn to unconventional or alternative belief systems. Cults that promote unique or radical ideas can attract those who feel dissatisfied with mainstream ideologies.
2. Curiosity and Adventure: The prospect of exploring new experiences and ideas can lead individuals to join cults. Some people are enticed by the mystery and excitement associated with secretive groups.
3. Manipulation and Deception: While not a conscious choice, some individuals are deceived or manipulated into joining cults. Tactics such as love bombing (excessive affection and attention), misleading information, and gradual indoctrination can make it difficult for individuals to recognize the true nature of the group until they are deeply involved.
4. Idealism: People who have strong idealistic tendencies and a desire to make a positive impact on the world may be drawn to cults that promise to bring about positive change or utopian societies.
5. Loss of Identity: Major life changes, such as moving to a new location or transitioning from one life stage to another, can lead to a loss of identity. Cults may offer a new identity, (or support one through group polarization) and a sense of purpose to those who feel adrift.

The Psychology Behind Cult Behavior
Now do you understand why some individuals are vulnerable to cults? See the "behavioral" component? Let's add psychology to it and how it applies to cult behavior. The psychology behind cults is a complex and multifaceted topic that involves various psychological factors that contribute to the formation and functioning of cults. I typically start discussing individuals who join cults with the exploitation of needs. Cults often target individuals who are going through personal crises, searching for meaning, or seeking answers to life's questions. They offer solutions and a sense of belonging, and cults exploit these vulnerabilities to attract new members. They prey on social influence to manipulate and control their members, including peer pressure, groupthink, and the desire to conform to the group's norms and beliefs. Other psychological behaviors used to attract others into cults include the following:

1. Manipulation and Indoctrination: Cults use various forms of psychological manipulation to break down an individual's existing belief system and replace it with the cult's ideology. This can involve isolating members from outside influences, using fear tactics, and employing repetitive indoctrination techniques to reinforce the cult's teachings.
2. Emotional Manipulation: Cults often create an environment of emotional dependency, where members' self-esteem and sense of worth are tied to their involvement in the group. This emotional manipulation can make it difficult for individuals to leave, as they fear losing the community, purpose, and emotional support the cult provides.
3. Escalation of Commitment: As individuals invest more time, effort, and resources into a cult, they may feel compelled to continue their involvement to justify their past commitments, even if they have doubts.
4. Us-versus-Them Mentality: Cults often foster an "us-versus-them" mentality, portraying the outside world as hostile, dangerous, or misguided. This mentality reinforces the idea that the cult is the only source of truth and safety. This what is being done in politics and it can be dangerous or causes others harm.
5. Group Dynamics: Cults create a tightly-knit group environment where conformity is rewarded and dissent is discouraged. This group cohesion can make it challenging for members to leave, as they fear losing the social connections they have developed.

Charismatic leaders of cults also isolate their members from friends, family, and external information sources that could challenge the group's beliefs. This isolation intensifies the sense of belonging within the cult while weakening ties to the outside world. Once individuals invest time, money, and emotions into a cult, they may experience cognitive dissonance—a state of psychological discomfort caused by holding conflicting beliefs or engaging in behaviors that contradict their values. To reduce this discomfort, individuals are more likely to rationalize their involvement and become even more committed to the cult.  

How To Stop Cult-Like Behaviors
Stopping cult-like behaviors is complex and needs to address psychological, social, and emotional factors. Many of you are concerned about this topic in politics and it can be a sore spot in discussions during events as well. Consider the following steps if you want these behaviors or discussions even in politics to improve:

1. Educate Yourself: About the topics that a charismatic leader spews about topics, such as politics. Use credible resources to fact check information.
2. Encourage Critical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills and question information, think independently, and consider different perspectives. Offer factual information about the group's history, leadership, and controversies. Present this information in a non-confrontational manner, allowing the person to draw their own conclusions. 
3. Maintain Communication: If you suspect someone is involved in a potentially harmful group, maintain open lines of communication with them. Be patient and non-judgmental, as cult members often become defensive if they feel attacked. Avoid direct confrontations or ultimatums, as they might push the person further into the cult's grasp. Instead, focus on building trust and understanding.
4. Express Concern: Gently express your concerns about the group's practices, beliefs, and the potential negative impact it might have on their life. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
5. Offer Emotional Support: Cult members often feel isolated and emotionally dependent on the group. Offer emotional support, reminding them that you care about their well-being. Make sure that you suggest professional help if the individual seems deeply entrenched in the cult's beliefs and behaviors from therapists, counselors, or mental health experts who have experience in dealing with cult-related issues.

Conclusion
The process of addressing cult behavior requires empathy, understanding, and careful communication. If you believe the person's safety is at risk, do not hesitate to involve relevant authorities or professionals. Ultimately, the individual has the right to make their own decisions. Even if you disagree with their choices, respecting their autonomy is important for maintaining a healthy relationship. Leaving a cult or a political belief can be a long and difficult process. Be patient and understanding, as the individual may need time to recognize the problems and make their own decisions. Individuals who join cults are not necessarily weak or gullible. Many cult members are intelligent, capable individuals who have been gradually drawn into these groups due to a combination of factors. Understanding these factors can help prevent individuals from falling victim to manipulative tactics and encourage early intervention when someone is showing signs of involvement in a potentially harmful group.

For those who forget... Image by Kay Gregan from Pixabay