March 2, 2000 – One of the leading experts in mind control, Dr. Lifton addressed the issue of doomsday cults such as Aum Shinrikyo.
Criteria for Thought Reform
Excerpted from Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism by Robert Jay Lifton, Chapter 22: Ideological Totalism 1. Milieu Control. This involves the control of information and communication both within the environment and, ultimately, within the individual, resulting in a significant degree of isolation from society at large. 2. Mystical…
Born or Raised in Closed, High-Demand Groups: Developmental Considerations
An increasing number of individuals are entering mainstream society who were born and/or raised in cults or closed, high-demand groups. In my work as a mental health professional specializing in trauma and recovery from spiritual abuse, I regularly encounter these individuals.