This article is an electronic version of an article originally published in Cultic Studies Journal, 1992, Volume 9, Number 2, pages 219-250. 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.

Post-Cult Symptoms As Measured by the MCMI Before and After Residential Treatment

Paul R. Martin, Ph.D.
Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.
Arthur A. Dole, Ph.D.
Jeffrey Wiltrout

Abstract

Two groups of former cultists were administered the MCMI and other psychological tests in order to assess the nature and magnitude of post-cult psychological problems. One group consisted of 13 former cultists who attended an educational conference on cults. The other group was made up of Ill former cultists who attended a residential treatment center. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment, 66 members of the latter group participated in a six-month followup. Post-cult distress at initial testing was high and did not differ between groups. Pre-post evaluations of the treatment group indicated a strong treatment effect. Marked personality configuration shifts in the MCMI profile after treatment occurred. Results appear to support the view that dissociative processes are central to the cult experience.
 

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