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An object relations approach to cult membership.
Joseph D Salande1, David R Perkins
1Department of Psychology, South Louisiana Community College, Girard Hall, Room 209, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA.
American Journal of Psychotherapy
|February 15, 2012
Summary
Cult members often lack autonomy, puzzling the public. This study suggests their behaviors may stem from an object relations-level regression, similar to severe personality disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Object Relations Theory
Background:
- Literature indicates cult members rarely show overt mental illness symptoms.
- Public perception is often surprised by cult members' lack of autonomy and personality changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically explore cult membership using an object relations model.
- To explain cult member behaviors through psychological regression.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical exploration of cult membership.
- Application of Otto Kernberg's object relations model.
- Analysis of existing data on the cult experience.
Main Results:
- Cult member behaviors may represent an object relations-level regression.
- Primitive defensive operations, typically seen in severe personality disorders, may be activated.
Conclusions:
- Cult membership can involve a regression in object relations.
- Behaviors in cults might be explained by psychological defense mechanisms usually associated with personality disorders.
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