Destructive Aspects of the Cult Experience (IN: Youth Suicide, ed. by M L Peck et al)

Joining a group or “cult” may offer adolescents a temporary refuge from pressures & conflicts associated with their developmental level. The common objection to a “cult” is the coercive persuasion – brainwashing – used by cult leaders to negate individualism. Wellisch and Ungerleider discuss the developmentally & psychologically destructive aspects of cults, the impairment of life goals & life-threatening or societally threatening aspects of such groups. 7 ref. (HBB)