1982/02/01 by Thomas Robbins, Dick Anthony · 4 citations
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology #Sociology and Cultural Identity Studies #Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices
paper · doi:10.2307/800160
openalex publication_date 1982/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2025/11/06
Critics claim the brainwashing techniques cults use to win converts have pathological consequences. Deprogramming has restored numerous converts to a state accepted by parents and therapists as normal. The medicalization of the cult phenomena, and its conceptualization as a mental health problem, has expanded the jurisdiction of the medical profession into the areas of religion and social movements.