|
This article is an electronic version of an article originally
published in Cultic Studies Journal, 1997, Volume 14, Number 2, pages 290-306.
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.
The Individual Cult Experience Index:
The Assessment of Cult Involvement
and Its Relationship to Postcult Distress
Nadine Winocur, Psy.D.
Jonibeth Whitney, M.A.
Carol Sorensen, Psy.D.
Peggy Vaughn, Psy.D.
David Foy, Ph.D.
Abstract
Research has suggested, but not yet quantitatively demonstrated, a relationship
between cult involvement and postcult distress. This study addresses this
problem with the development of the Individual Cult Experience (ICE) Index.
Designed to tap group experiences associated with subsequent distress as
reported in the cult and trauma literature, the ICE Index was tested on 76
support-seeking former cult members and two comparison groups (14
non-support-seeking former cult members and 13 distressed individuals who were
not current or former cult members). Preliminary psychometric analyses show
strong internal consistency (coefficient alpha ‘ .89), and an overall correct
classification rate of 84%. A correlation of .45 (p < .001) was found between
the ICE Index and current distress as assessed with the Los Angeles Symptom
Checklist (LASC). Thus, a relationship between extent of cult involvement and
current distress in former cult members is demonstrated by the ICE Index, along
with a differentiation between cult-involved and non-cult-involved individuals.
Full text available through
ICSA E-Library.
|
