cult recovery 101

Group (Cult, Religion) Psychological Abuse Scale

Group Psychological Abuse Scale

This scale is designed to evaluate certain aspects of religious, psychotherapeutic, political, commercial, and other groups. Please rate, as best you can, the degree to which the following statements characterize the group under consideration. Rate each item according to your experience and observations (in retrospect) of how the group ACTUALLY functioned. If your group had different levels of membership (in which the group’s dominant features differed), please apply your ratings to the level with which you have greatest familiarity. Think carefully about each answer so you give the most appropriate response.

Circle the appropriate number

  1. Not at all characteristic of the group
  2. Not characteristic of the group
  3. Don’t know/Not sure
  4. Characteristic of the group
  5. Very Characteristic of the group

 

  1. The group does not tell members how to conduct their sex lives. 1 2 3 4 5
  2. Women are directed to use their bodies for the purpose of recruiting or of manipulation. 1 2 3 4 5
  3. The group advocates or implies that breaking the law is okay if it serves the interests of the group. 1 2 3 4 5
  4. Members are expected to postpone or give up their personal, vocational, and educational goals in order to work for the group. 1 2 3 4 5
  5. The group encourages ill members to get medical assistance. 1 2 3 4 5
  6. Gaining political power is a major goal of the group. 1 2 3 4 5
  7. Members believe that to leave the group would be death or eternal damnation for themselves or their families. 1 2 3 4 5
  8. The group discourages members from displaying negative emotions. 1 2 3 4 5
  9. Members feel they are part of a special elite. 1 2 3 4 5
  10. The group teaches that persons who are critical of the group are in power of evil, satanic forces. 1 2 3 4 5
  11. The group uses coercive persuasion and mind control. 1 2 3 4 5
  12. The group approves of violence against outsiders (e.g., “satanic communists,” etc.). 1 2 3 4 5
  13. Members are expected to live with other members. 1 2 3 4 5
  14. Members must abide by the group’s guidelines regarding dating and intimate relationships. 1 2 3 4 5