This article is an electronic version of an article originally published in Cultic Studies Journal, 1984, Volume 1, Number 1, pages 63-78. Please keep in mind that the pagination of this electronic reprint differs from that of the bound volume. This fact could affect how you enter bibliographic information in papers that you may write.

Deprogramming: An Analysis of Parental Questionnaires

Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.

Abstract

In order to systematically collect data pertinent to the decision-making deliberations of parents troubled by the cult involvement of a son or daughter, a questionnaire was printed in The Advisor, a periodical read by several thousand people, most of whom are disturbed by aspects of the cult phenomenon. Ninety-four parents responded, providing a variety of data on children who had become involved in cults. One of the more significant findings was that in 37% of forced deprogrammings, the convert returned to the cult, at least temporarily. Since a high percentage of converts leave cults voluntarily and since many converts can be induced to reevaluate their cult involvement voluntarily, it is concluded that deprogramming is but one of several helping options and should not be viewed as the “cure” for cult involvement.

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