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Psychotherapeutic procedure with religious cult devotees
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|June 1, 1982
Summary
This study details assessment and treatment for 65 cult devotees, viewing cultic religiosity as a regressive psychological phenomenon. Findings aid in managing this unique patient group.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Existing literature on cult devotees is largely descriptive, lacking specific assessment and psychotherapeutic strategies.
- There is a need for evidence-based interventions for individuals involved in cults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review previous literature on cult devotees.
- To describe specific assessment and interventive procedures for cult devotees.
- To conceptualize cultic religiosity as a regressive phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature.
- Application of assessment and intervention procedures in an outpatient clinic.
- Psychological testing of 65 cult devotees.
- Analysis of diagnostic and clinical findings.
Main Results:
- Successful application of specific assessment and interventive procedures in an outpatient setting.
- Diagnostic impressions derived from psychological testing are reported.
- Clinical findings support the conceptualization of cultic religiosity as a regressive phenomenon.
Conclusions:
- Specific assessment and psychotherapeutic procedures can be effectively applied to cult devotees.
- Psychological testing provides valuable diagnostic impressions.
- Cultic religiosity can be understood as a regressive psychological process.