Group

, Volume 6, Issue 2, pp 13–24 | Cite as

Group processes in cult affiliation and recruitment

  • David A. Halperin
Article

Abstract

Cult affiliation and the maintenance of cult affiliation is a multidimensional process. It may reflect individual psychopathology, familial dysfunction or the use of intense group experiences to create a context in which major personality change may occur. This paper discusses cult affiliation within the context of group dynamics and the formation of group fantasies.

Keywords

Group Process Cross Cultural Psychology Group Dynamic Personality Change Multidimensional Process 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. BLOS, P. The second individuation process. InThe Adolescent Passage. New York: International Universities Press, 1979.Google Scholar
  2. BORIS, H. N., ZINBERG, N. E. & BORIS, M. Fantasies in group situations.Contemporary Psychoanalysis, 1975, 11(1), 15–45.Google Scholar
  3. ECKSTEIN, R. The search and yearning for and the rebellion against the father—a group dilemma.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 1978, 28, 435–42.PubMedGoogle Scholar
  4. EDWARDS, C.Crazy for God. Englewood, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1979.Google Scholar
  5. ERICKSON, M. H., ROSSI, E. L. & ROSSI, S. I.Hypnotic Realities: The Induction of Clinical Hypnosis and Forms of Indirect Suggestion. New York: John Wiley, 1977.Google Scholar
  6. EZRIEL, H. Notes on psychoanalytic psychotherapy. II. Interpretation and research.Psychiatry, 1952, 15, 119–126.PubMedGoogle Scholar
  7. FREED, J.Moonwebs. Toronto: Dorset, 1980.Google Scholar
  8. FREUD, S. (1912) Totem and taboo.Standard Edition, 13, 1–164.Google Scholar
  9. FREUD, S. (1921) Group psychology and the analysis of the ego.Standard Edition, 18, 67–145.Google Scholar
  10. GALPER, M. F. Indoctrination methods of the Unification Church. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the California State Psychological Association, Los Angeles, March 13, 1977.Google Scholar
  11. GIBBARD, G. & HARTMAN, J. The significance of utopian fantasies in small groups.Internationaljournal of Group Psychotherapy, 1973, 23, 125–47.Google Scholar
  12. KERNBERG, O. Large group processes: Psychoanalytic understanding and applications. Paper presented at the American Psychoanalytic Association meeting, December 18, 1977.Google Scholar
  13. KERNBERG, O. Leadership and organizational functioning: Organizational regression.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 1978, 28(1), 3–27.PubMedGoogle Scholar
  14. PIERRAKOS, E. Lecture 225. Center for the Living Force, November 24, 1974.Google Scholar
  15. SILVERMAN, L. H. The unconscious fantasy as therapeutic agent in psychoanalytic treatment.Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis, 1979, 7(2), 189–218.PubMedGoogle Scholar
  16. SMELSER, N. Collective myths and fantasies. Paper presented to the American Psychoanalytic Association meeting, May 1980.Google Scholar
  17. WEBER, V. Gnosticism and modern cults. 1982.Google Scholar
  18. YALOM, I. Book review of S. Freud's “Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego.”International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 1974, 24, 67–82.Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society 1982

Authors and Affiliations

  • David A. Halperin
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
  1. 1.Mt. Sinai School of MedicineUSA
  2. 2.Cult Information & Treatment ProgramWestchester Jewish Community ServicesUSA
  3. 3.Cult Hotline ProjectJewish Board of Family & Children's ServicesUSA

Personalised recommendations