Psychological Effects Of Cults Essay

These days, people throw around the world cult like it’s nothing. For example, fitness trends such as Cross Fit and Soul Cycle have been similarly compared to actual cults. Cross Fit and Soul Cycle might be a bit out there, but there is nothing strange or sinister about them like in actual cults. The truth of the matter is that the word cult should not be used as a joke. Cults are dangerous. They take over people’s lives, demanding many sacrifices, such as isolation and heavy financial donations. Leaving can be very hard as the psychological effects stay with someone years after they get away. According to most studies, there is no correlation between certain characteristics a person has that makes them more inclined or likely to join a cult. However, …show more content…
Most of the time, there are long-term psychological effects that take years to overcome. Experts have described how it only takes a few days for cults to change a person, but it can take years to undo the effects (Collins). Many women can experience PTSD from being raped/sexually assaulted. Some people never get over these psychological barriers and end up committing suicide many years later. Lots of children are either born into cults or dragged into them by their parents when they are too young to recognize the warning signs. Some former members of cults reject the term “member” because it implies that they had a choice in the matter. Once they leave, their feelings of bitterness and resentment are directed as much toward them as they are toward the cult leaders (Greenaway). They do not see that they were victims as well. Cults tear apart families, separating children from parents or causing divorces. From most accounts, it is nearly impossible to have a normal family dynamic while in a cult since the leaders interfere. Many do not believe in monogamy, and are not against spouses having sex with other