Cultic Studies Review: An Internet Journal of Research, News & Opinion (CSR) is published three times a year by International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) (formerly AFF - American Family Foundation). English is the dominant language of the journal. Although designed as an Internet journal, Cultic Studies Review is also available in a print version – Subscribe. (online ISSN: 1539-0160; print ISSN: 1539-0152)

Cultic Studies Review seeks to advance the understanding of cultic processes and their relation to society, including broad social and cultural implications as well as effects on individuals and families.  The term “cultic processes” refers to manipulative forms of social influence observed most conspicuously, though not exclusively, in certain extremist groups, and is directly related to the research traditions of thought reform and the psychology of social influence.

Cultic Studies Review’s interest areas include a family of related yet distinct phenomena (see The Definitional Ambiguity of “Cult”  and ICSA’s Mission), as well as practical responses to concerns people have about these phenomena. Thus, Cultic Studies Review provides information on cults, psychological manipulation, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, brainwashing, mind control, thought reform, abusive churches, extremism, totalistic groups, authoritarian groups, new religious movements, charisma, alternative and mainstream religions, group dynamics, exit counseling, recovery, and practical suggestions for families, individuals, helping professionals, clergy, journalists, researchers, students, educators, and others interested in these topics.

CSR assumes that a multidisciplinary perspective is necessary for the proper understanding of its areas of interest and, consequently, publishes articles from different disciplines and points of view.  Articles dealing with any aspect of CSR’s areas of interest, whether directly or indirectly, will be considered.  The views expressed in CSR are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of CSR’s Editorial Boards or AFF and its directors, advisory board members, or staff.  Groups analyzed or mentioned in CSR are not necessarily cults, nor are they necessarily harmful.

Volume 1, Number 1 of CSR will remain a free sample copy on the Internet.

A distinguished Editorial Board reviews and recommends articles published in Cultic Studies Review.

See Issue Archives for current and past issues of Cultic Studies Review.

Authors interested in publishing in Cultic Studies Review should see: Submit Paper.

Cultic Studies Review is the successor to AFF’s print journals, Cultic Studies Journal and The Cult Observer, both published from 1984 to 2001, and Cults and Society, an Internet journal. Articles published in these journals and in CSR are available free to ICSA Members through the ICSA e-Library.

Cultic Studies Review is supplemented by the free ICSA e-Newsletter, which provides essays on various topics and news updates on groups, educational and research activities, new publications, other resources, special bookstore offers, and conferences and workshops.

Go to Bookstore and ICSAhome.com for books, articles, periodicals, videos, Links, and information on specific Groups and Topics (e.g., children and cults).  

Concerned About a Group Involvement?

We stress to those concerned about a group involvement that each case is unique. We encourage inquirers to review positive and negative information concerning a particular group and to consider the psychological dynamics of affected individuals.  We provide many resources to help you increase your understanding of these subjects.

Group Information

We provide information on a wide variety of groups in order to meet the needs of inquirers who approach this subject from diverse perspectives.  Groups on which we have information may be mainstream or nonmainstream, controversial or noncontroversial, religious or nonreligious, cult or not cult, harmful or benign.

 

We do NOT maintain a list of "bad" groups or "cults," whether religious or not religious.

 

We strongly suggest that you familiarize yourself with the subtle and important definitional issues in this field by reading the following essays:

 

Copyright.  Cultic Studies Review reserves the right to authorize reproduction of any article or portion thereof.  No part of this journal may be reproduced, except for brief review purposes, without written permission from the Editor.  Copyright ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association).  All rights reserved.

 

 

 

name_H1
  Feedback Information

_______________________________________________
Response, Feedback & Letters
  Article Submission    Letters to the Editor 
  Feedback Form    Help Form
 
E-mail Address Directory 
  Staff Directory
_____________________________________________ ^

Last revised: February 10, 2008