Cults or control? The psychology behind crimes in cults.

 

For years on end, researchers have delved deep into the intricate details of crime, in hopes to understand how the criminal mind works. Questions that have been left unanswered for years, are now being deconstructed and analyzed. Is there a way to identify criminals before they commit crimes? What drives civilians to involve themselves in committing atrocities? To answer these questions, a fundamental concept to understand is that of motivation.

McClelland, an American psychologist, claimed in his theory that an individual’s behaviour is largely motivated by the need for power, alongside affiliation and achievement. While being within the healthy boundaries of this need for power is beneficial, going beyond this boundary is dangerous- not only for oneself, but one’s immediate community. Behaviours exhibited by individuals that are excessively high on the need for power include finding joy in others’ weaknesses and shortcomings, manipulation, as well as various kinds of abuse. Ultimately, an unhealthy need for power can turn into a need for control, which may manifest as violent criminal behaviour. Two frequently mentioned terms in criminal research- manipulation and control- form the foundation on which the crumbling tower of occult crime is built. A unanimous and unwavering belief in an idea or individual, as seen in cults, can drive people to unimaginable extents. Leaders of these groups often, through their charisma and physical or intellectual appeal, brainwash others into meeting their demands and following their way of life- however questionable these may be. In psychology, the study of brainwashing, also called thought-reform, falls into the sphere of social influences. This involves the understanding of how individuals can affect each other’s thought processes and thus, behaviour. Brainwashing, being a highly intrusive form of social influence, requires isolation of the subject. The cutting off of contact from outer influences makes it easier for the brainwasher to gradually chip away at the target’s identity until they are nothing but a blank slate. Desperate for a sense of belonging, security and family, the subject adopts and accepts any identity thrown at them. A new set of behaviours, attitudes and ideas are instilled – often to the advantage and benefit of the perpetrator. In many cases of extreme brainwashing and manipulation, victims show a high level of loyalty to their perpetrators. After horrific experiences of manipulation and thought-reform, individuals claim to have had an unshakeable sense of worship towards their leader or their beliefs. Examples like this throw light on the sheer magnitude of such emotional abuse.

Brainwashing, manipulation and their effects are highly subjective, varying across ages, genders and psychosocial environments. An important question to ask is, what makes an individual susceptible to thought-reform? As brainwashing involves the deconstruction of one’s identity, only those who are more vulnerable and unsure of themselves are at risk of it. Those who have suffered great loss or trauma, or have gone through life- altering events, often find themselves questioning their purpose and identity. They lack faith, a sense of belonging and a sense of self. Another contributing factor is systemic discrimination. When an individual is discriminated against for a long time, any change or upliftment in their status will attract them. When choosing victims, cult leaders often select those who have been discriminated against in the past, often promising them a better future and treatment. This is proven by research, which shows that women, being systematically discriminated against, are 48% more likely to join cults, or other such isolated spiritual groups, than their male counterparts. These factors make them vulnerable and easy targets for brainwashers, especially cult leaders. Shared ideologies and support systems attract them to these religious or spiritual groups- not only providing them with relatedness, as mentioned in the Self- Determination Theory of Motivation, but also encouraging them to discard their ‘old’ identities.

A discussion on crime, cults and criminal coercion would not be complete without a case study of an appropriate example. A widely studied case, The Manson Family Cult, is not only an example of criminal coercion and thought-reform, but also highlights the effects of such brainwashing on victims (cult members). Charles Manson, in his late forties, began targeting vulnerable young girls to join his ‘spiritual group’. Upon luring them with promises of a peaceful and ‘god-centered’ life, he proceeded to influence their impressionable minds with his ideas of an apocalyptic world. This brainwashing continued for so long that the victims, unable to find their own voice, submitted to his demands and ideas. A former cult member, at 64 years of age, recently went public with her experiences, describing the sexual and substance abuse Manson had put them through. Often, he would only allow these young girls access to basic necessities such as food and water in return for sexual favours. In the survivors’ words, the girls ‘worshiped’ Manson and viewed him as their ‘guide’ and ‘protector’. This is typical of cult leaders, whose narcissistic personalities cause them to present as superior, all-powerful and dominating. The victim also speaks about the intense feeling of guilt that came with disobeying Manson’s orders – which were viewed as a test of loyalty towards him. By making his followers believe that a ‘race-war’ was approaching, he brainwashed them into not only physically harming other people, but also murdering them. The group was able to commit 6 killings before they were caught. Upon deep introspection and questioning, members involved stated that they were simply fulfilling Manson’s wishes in order to prove their devotion to him. Thus, in this ‘world’ that he had created, victims lived in a state of deception and altered consciousness- aided by frequent drug usage. Societal rules didn’t apply, and complete control was placed in the hands of the leader, Charles Manson.

Other cults that brainwashed their members into crime include The Children of God cult, which encouraged paedophilia and sex trafficking under the blanket of divine faith and preaching, and a widely known case is that of The Burari Deaths, with the ‘leader’ -who is alleged to have been going through Post Traumatic Stress Disorder- giving instructions for mass-suicide to his family. This was motivated by strong spiritual beliefs and apparent ‘communication’ from a deceased relative. All members of this family followed the leaders’ instructions without further questioning, depicting the severity of brainwashing even in this small- scale scenario. Friends and acquaintances of the deceased victims claim to have never been told about these spiritual teachings – this shows the isolation and detachment the members had from the outside world; a concept previously discussed in The Manson Family Case.

Although research has been limited in the field of occult crime, findings from extensive research on religion-driven crime seem to be promising. To answer the questions that have, for years, perplexed psychologists and researchers alike, it is important to not only analyze criminal behaviour, but also the magnitude of its consequences. This will help us, as a community, protect and take preventative measures against such crimes. Apart from this, a more comprehensive and intricate study of criminal psychology will allow us to identify dangerous and potentially harmful traits in ourselves as well as those around us before they get out of hand; ending lives and affecting many, many more.

About the Author

Masumi Pradhan

Sub-head at the Psycreative Column

First year student, B.Sc. Applied Psychology, NMIMS

Inquisitive, resilient and ambitious, Masumi Pradhan- born and brought up in Mumbai- believes in constantly exploring and nurturing her creative side, taking on new projects every opportunity she gets. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SDSOS, she hopes to inspire other writers and artists around her while holding a light up to topics and ideas rarely spoken about on the daily. Her most valued skills include communication and leadership, which she plans on honing further through exposure and experience in years to come.