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Psychology In Seattle Podcast
Why Do People Join Cults? (2018 Rerun)
Jan 9, 2025
Dr. Alexandra Stein, a social psychologist and cult expert, shares her insights on why people join cults. She discusses her own experiences in a cult, revealing how individuals often seek community and support, unwittingly falling into manipulative environments. Stein explores the emotional impact of cult dynamics, including shunning and coercive control, while emphasizing the importance of support systems for recovery. She also connects the psychological mechanisms of cults to authoritarian leadership, highlighting parallels that can be found in both cults and politics.
59:53
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Quick takeaways
- People join cults not out of ignorance but seeking community and fulfillment of personal needs, often unaware of the group's true nature.
- Cults exploit fear and isolation tactics to control members, creating dependency and making it difficult for individuals to leave.
Deep dives
Understanding Why People Join Cults
Individuals do not consciously join cults; rather, they seek out groups they believe will fulfill a specific need or desire, such as community, healing, or self-improvement. For example, someone might join a yoga class or a political organization, thinking they are engaging with a legitimate group. It is often only upon reflection or after leaving that they come to perceive these organizations as cults. This highlights a common misconception that those involved in cults are lacking intelligence or awareness; instead, they are often initially attracted by an appealing front presented by these groups.
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