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Harm and NRMs: Perspectives from
Psychology
Arthur A. Dole, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.
University of Pennsylvania
Abstract
In this paper, I examine harm in New Religious Movements (NRMs) from the
perspective of a psychologist. After acknowledging the contributions of other
disciplines to the study of NRMs, I define certain key terms and summarize some
of the major relevant specializations within psychology. To support the argument
that an implicit question leads to a unified psychology, I present 10 questions
about harm that have shaped a range of methodologies, and a number of resulting
answers that may generate further research and prevent or ameliorate harm by
NRMs. I conclude that history, religious studies, and sociology can benefit
unified psychology through collaboration and dialogue and that psychology can
benefit other disciplines in the study of NRMs.
Full text available through
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