Cults 101

Resources for gaining a general understanding of cultic dynamics and effects. 

Priority resources are bolded.

Videos  -  ICSA's YouTube Channel

A Scientific Theory of Brainwashing. Benjamin Zablocki (Power Point)

Building Resistance: Tactics for Counteracting Manipulation and Unethical Hypnosis in Totalistic Groups. Steve K. D. Eichel, Ph.D.

Business and the New Age Movement: A Critical Perspective. Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Business and Society Review, 1989, Number 69, 39-42.

Characteristics of Cultic Groups. Michael Langone. 

Characteristics of Cults and Cultic Groups.  NYC Educational Outreach Committee

Clinical Update on Cults. Michael Langone. Psychiatric Times, July 1996.

Cold Reading: The Tricks of the Psychics. William Goldberg, MSW, BCD 

Common Myths and Misconceptions about Cults and Cultic Groups.  NYC Educational Outreach Committee

Cult Formation. Robert Jay Lifton, M.D. Cultic Studies Journal, 8(1), 1991, 1-6.

Cultic Crimes in North America (Power Point Presentation). Michael Langone.

Dysfunctional Churches. Ronald Enroth. Cult Observer, (9)4, 1992. 

Exit Cost Analysis: A New Approach to the Scientific Study of Brainwashing. Benjamin Zablocki

Family Dynamics During a Cult Crisis. Douglas Agustin. ICSA Today, 2(2), 2-5.

Governments and Cults. Michael Kropveld. ICSA E-Newsletter, 7(2), 2008.

How Can Young People Protect Themselves Against Cults? Michael D. Langone, PhD.

How Could Anyone Join a Cult?!! Maureen Griffo.

How to Talk to People Who are Trying to Save You. Ross Miller. Cultic Studies Journal, 2(2), 1986, Page 296-297.

Influence. Robert Cialdini.

Large Group Awareness Trainings. Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 15(1), 1998.

Leaving and Recovering From Cultic Groups and Relationships: Overview (Power Point). Michael Langone Ph.D.

Lessons Learned from SGAs About Recovery and Resiliency. Leona Furnari, MSW, LCSW & Rosanne Henry, MA. ICSA Today, 2(3), 2011, 2-9.

Manipulative Therapists. Shirley Siegel.

Mind Control: Psychological Reality or Mindless Rhetoric. Philip Zimbardo. Cultic Studies Review, 1(3), 2003, 1-3.

On Resisting Social Influence. Susan Andersen, PhD & Philip Zimbardo, PhD. Cultic Studies Journal, 1(2), 1984, 196-219.

Physical Child Abuse in Sects. Lois Kendall, PhD. ICSA Today, 2(2), 2011, pages.

Prevalence. Michael Langone

Questionnaire Study: Preliminary Report. Michael D. Langone, PhD. 

Reading List: Undue Influence 101

Religion vs. Cult. Rev. Richard Dowhower.

Research on Destructive Cults. Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.

Six Conditions for Thought Reform. Margaret T. Singer Ph.D.

Ten Steps to Critical Thinking. Robert Fellows. From Easily Fooled, copyright © 2000 by Robert Fellows.

The Challenge of Defining Cult

Thought Reform Exists: Organized, Programmatic Influence. Margaret Thaler Singer, Ph.D. The Cult Observer 11(6), 1994.

Understanding Eastern Groups. Joseph P. Szimhart. AFF’s Cults and Psychological Abuse: A Resource Guide and AFF’s Cult Observer, 14(5), 1997.

Vulnerable Characteristics. Robert Fellows, MTS. From Easily Fooled. Copyright Robert Fellows. 

What is a Cult?  NYC Educational Outreach Committee.

What are cults and why do people join them?. 10-minute BBC Reel video, 

What Is “New Age?” Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.

What is Hypnosis?

What Messages are Behind Today's Cults? Philip G. Zimbardo, Ph.D. Monitor of the American Psychological Association, May 1997, 14.

When You’re Asked About Cults. Robert Fellows, MTS. From Easily Fooled. Copyright Robert Fellows.

Why We Need To Become Spiritual Consumers. Rosanne Henry, M.A.; Sharon Colvin.

.