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Second-Generation Adult Former Cult Group Members’ Recovery Experiences: Implications for Counseling

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Abstract

Cult survivors experience psychological challenges after leaving a cult, and reintegration into society can be a difficult process. Children who are born and raised in cults face additional challenges (e.g., effects of abuse and neglect, attachment disorders, and lack of education). Scant attention has been paid in the literature to the experiences and treatment needs of these second-generation cult survivors. In this study, the experiences of 15 second-generation adult former cult members were explored involving constructivist grounded theory and a social justice-focused inquiry. Findings hold promise for increasing counselors’ understanding of former cult members’ experiences, needs, and concerns, supporting competent counseling practice with this population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education, Texas A&M University-Commerce, P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX, 75429-3011, USA

    Cynthia H. Matthews & Carmen F. Salazar

Authors
  1. Cynthia H. Matthews
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  2. Carmen F. Salazar
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cynthia H. Matthews.

Appendix

Appendix

Interview Questions

Introduction:

  1. 1.

    What do I need to know about your experience in the group to help me understand you?

Deciding to Leave:

  1. 2.

    Tell me about your decision to leave the group. What kinds of concerns led to your final decision to leave?

Leaving the Group:

  1. 3.

    Describe to me the process you went through in leaving the group.

  2. 4.

    What kinds of issues made it difficult for you to leave?

  3. 5.

    What made it easier for you to leave the group?

Life Outside the Group:

  1. 6.

    Tell me what it has been like for you integrating into life outside of the group.

  2. 7.

    What kinds of things did you struggle with initially?

Life Today:

  1. 8.

    What do you continue to struggle with as a result of your former group life?

  2. 9.

    Tell me what you miss about your former group life.

  3. 10.

    Tell me what you don’t miss about your former group life.

Summary:

  1. 11.

    What else would you like me to know about being in the group, leaving the group, or integrating into life outside the group?

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Matthews, C.H., Salazar, C.F. Second-Generation Adult Former Cult Group Members’ Recovery Experiences: Implications for Counseling. Int J Adv Counselling 36, 188–203 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-013-9201-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-013-9201-0

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