Cults: The Exploitation and Abuse of Vulnerable Individuals

Author: Ava Pakosta

June 6, 2025

Charles Manson, a notorious American cult leader, being transported to a courthouse in Independence, California, 1969 [Image credit: ABC News]

Defining a Cult

Cults have captivated human interest for centuries now with their charismatic leaders and unusual way of life. Whether it is fascination or fear driving that interest, people want to uncover the mystery behind cults and what makes them so appealing. Defined as “a relatively small group of people having beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister, or as exercising excessive control over members,” a cult is typically religious, political, or sexual in nature. With a definition this broad, there are often disagreements about whether a particular group qualifies as a cult. However, most people agree that cults are usually led by a single leader, or a group of leaders, who establish the rules that govern the behavior of their followers. Throughout history, numerous cults have captured global attention, with the most recent being the “cult of Trump.” Many people have come to believe that the 45th, and now 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, has cultivated a devoted following resembling a cult. Although discussions surrounding cults mostly focus on the United States, due to high-profile cases which have received significant media attention, cults are a transnational phenomenon. These groups exist in almost every part of the world, whether you see them appear in the headlines or not. 

The Psychology Behind Cults: Why do People Join?

From early childhood, humans seek meaning and a sense of belonging through their relationships, careers, or personal beliefs. This search for purpose is a fundamental part of what it means to be human. As Cutler and Conely put it, “[T]he need to belong is a powerful instinct. It’s part of our DNA as social creatures who depend on each other to survive.” Cults offer to fulfill these innate desires by providing members with a tight-knit community dedicated to what they view to be an important cause. Vulnerable individuals—such as children, the elderly, and those with disabilities or mental health challenges—are more likely to fall into this trap set by cults who prey upon those desperate to find their purpose and a sense of belonging. Any one of us is susceptible to periods of vulnerability, such as losing a loved one or going through a breakup, and, therefore, we all have the potential to be manipulated into following the rules of a person or group that we’ve come to trust during a moment of weakness. In fact, most people don’t even realize they’re joining a cult—they think they’re just joining a community. This proves the common misconception that only mentally unstable or “strange” individuals join cults to be wrong. Research indicates that most cult members come from middle-class backgrounds, are highly intelligent, and do not have a history of psychological illness prior to joining.

When examining the reasons as to why people join cults, it is crucial to consider the role of cult leaders. A cult reflects the ideas of the leader and ultimately becomes an extension of the leader, placing them at the root of the psychology behind cults. The cult leader is described as a charismatic and persuasive individual who possesses special knowledge that promises to elevate their followers to new levels of awareness or success. Typically, cult leaders display pathological narcissism and, in some cases, even fit the profile for psychopathy. They often view themselves as better than those around them and do not like being questioned or challenged. To keep their followers controlled so that they do not defy authority, cult leaders have been said to use thought reform, more commonly known as brainwashing. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines brainwashing as “a broad class of intense and often coercive tactics intended to produce profound changes in attitudes, beliefs, and emotions.” This term was first coined in the 1950’s by Edward Hunter, an American writer who published a book about the brainwashing techniques used by Chairman Mao during the Chinese Communist Revolution. Although experts tend to advise against using the term “brainwashing,” it is still true that cult leaders have been successful in shaping the thoughts of members to align with their ideals. According to Margaret Thaler Singer, an American psychologist and expert on cult psychology, there are six conditions which must be present to some degree in order for cult leaders to succeed with thought reform. These six conditions are as follows:

1. Keep the individual unaware that there is an agenda to control or change them.

2. Control their social and physical environment, particularly by regulating time. 

3. Create a sense of powerlessness, fear, and dependency.

4. Implement a system of rewards, punishments, and experiences in such a way as to inhibit behavior that reflects the individual’s former social identity.

5. Implement a system of rewards, punishments, and experiences in such a way as to promote learning of the group’s ideology or belief system and group-approved behaviors.

6. Create a closed system of logic and an authoritarian structure that cannot be changed by anyone other than the individual(s) in charge.

The system of rewards and punishments mentioned by Singer in her six conditions for thought reform stems from operant conditioning, a learning theory developed by American psychologist B.F. Skinner. The theory states that if behavior is positively reinforced, it will likely be repeated; however, if behavior is negatively reinforced, it will occur less frequently. For example, cult members who comply with the rules that have been set out by the cult leader are often rewarded, while those who do not comply are punished. Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian fundamentalist religion based in the United States, have a track record of former members experiencing shunning and ostracism. Upon leaving, former members lose access to their families, friends, and their entire social network without anything to fall back on. In some cases, this state of loss and severe psychological distress has led the former members to commit familicide and/or suicide. B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning applied to this situation theorizes that other Jehovah’s Witnesses will see the negative consequences resulting from exiting the cult and therefore will be less likely to leave. On the other hand, members who are loyal and who follow the guidelines of the Bible are promised that they will survive Armageddon and be rewarded with everlasting life in a paradise on Earth. This system of rewards and punishments, along with the other four conditions of thought reform, are used by cult leaders to keep their followers compliant and afraid.

Types of Cults

Although some people associate cults exclusively with religion, cults can take on many forms, differing in their purpose, size, and the extent of their financial or political influence. A few common types of cults include religious and doomsday cults, political and personality cults, and sex cults. 

Religious and Doomsday Cults

Religious cults are headed by religious leaders who are accepted as persons of authority and instill religious beliefs for the group to follow. These types of cults often involve abuse inflicted by the cult leader, using religion as a justification. In the late 1960’s and early 70’s, most of the well-known cults were religious in nature. This period of social and political unrest across the globe left many young people questioning authority and seeking new ways of life, leaving them more vulnerable to the influence of religious cults. More specifically, people joined doomsday cults, which are a type of religious cult with an apocalyptic focus on the imminent end of the world. Some examples include Heaven’s Gate, The People’s Temple (Jonestown), and the Manson Family. In all of these religious doomsday cults, the leaders manipulated their followers into believing their ideas and fatally harming either themselves or others. Jim Jones, self-proclaimed “messiah” of the People’s Temple (Jonestown), directed the members of his cult to drink cyanide-laced punch resulting in the death of over 900 people. One-third of them were children. Religious cults like Jonestown stand as a reminder of the devastating consequences resulting from religious extremism and cultic control and manipulation. 

The Jonestown Massacre, November 18, 1978 [Image credit: History.com]

At times, the line between a religion and a cult can be blurry. For example, there is much debate as to whether the Church of Scientology should be considered a religion or a religious cult. Although there are millions of members worldwide, Scientology has faced public scrutiny due to various complaints and former members speaking out against the church. In the United States, Scientology is recognized as a religion and granted a tax-exempt status, while other countries like France and Germany still refuse to legitimize the faith. 

Political and Personality Cults

Hitler propaganda. "A Fight for Germany". [Image credit: theholocaustexplained.org]

A political cult is a group centered around a specific political ideology, mostly advocating for far-left or far-right agendas. Political cults are closely associated with personality cults, defined as a cult “in which a public figure (such as a political leader) is deliberately presented to the people of a country as a great person who should be admired and loved.” Historical patterns reveal that post-war conditions and revolution often create fertile ground for the rise of personality cult leaders. For example, Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler were presented and perceived as viable solutions to the economic crises that took place worldwide in the first half of the 20th century.

Stalin propaganda. [Image credit: The Personality Cult of Stalin in Soviet Posters, 1929-1953]

Through the use of carefully orchestrated propaganda, both Stalin and Hitler were able to shape their public image as that of a savior brought to redeem their countries. Their messages were simple but powerful, persuading people to fight for them by appealing to their emotions. The high numbers of followers recruited by personality cult leaders can result in devastating consequences. Hitler and his Nazi party committed mass genocide during World War II, widely known as the Holocaust. Six million Jewish people were killed by the Nazis and their allies, and millions of non-Jewish people as well.

Sex Cults

Sex cults involve leaders manipulating their members into engaging in sexual acts, resulting in severe psychological, emotional, and physical harm. The leader of one of the most famous sex cults, Keith Raniere of NXIVM, created a hierarchy of “masters” and “slaves” in which women were branded with his initials and forced to engage in sexual acts. Powerful CEOs and Hollywood actors were involved, and the organization was marketed as a set of personal and professional development courses designed to help participants reach their full potential in life. In 2019, Keith Raniere was convicted of various crimes including racketeering, sex trafficking, forced labor, and more. The next year, he was sentenced to 120 years in prison. Raniere is not the only cult leader who is guilty of sexually exploiting followers. Sexual exploitation and abuse occurs in cults worldwide, and due to the power imbalance between the leader and their followers, sexual contact is never truly consensual and will likely have damaging effects on the follower. 

Cults often intertwine religious and sexual motives to create a powerful framework for control and influence. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), founded in the 1800’s after the Mormon church denounced polygamy, has been labeled a cult by former members who have shared accounts of control, sexual exploitation, and abuse. The leader of FLDS, Warren Jeffs, had nearly 80 wives and was in charge of arranging illegal marriages amongst underage girls and older men when he was convicted of child sexual abuse in 2011. Even while serving a life sentence behind bars, authorities have found evidence that Jeffs continues to share his revelations with FLDS members and control the sect.

Warren Jeffs and 17 of his wives [Image credit: ABC News]

Cults, Human Rights, and Religious Freedom Laws

Cults are an active threat to our rights as human beings, as they exploit the freedom and autonomy of individuals through manipulation, coercion, and psychological control. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.” When every aspect of a cult member’s life is controlled by their leader, they are stripped of these freedoms and can no longer make independent decisions. Despite these human rights concerns, cults are not considered illegal in most countries. Most countries have legal systems that protect religious freedom, making it very difficult to prosecute a cult without concrete evidence of illegal activity. A group with beliefs or practices that are deemed to be extreme or unusual still have the right to practice their religion freely. However, some countries have enforced bans on certain religious groups with cult-like characteristics, restricting them from practicing their religion publicly. Yet, the Chinese government is the only country that criminalizes groups it considers to be “cult organizations.”

When examining cults through a human rights lens, the global violence against women perpetuated by cults must not be overlooked. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights agreements have stated that bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right. People deserve the right to make independent decisions about their own body, and cults often interfere with this right, specifically in regards to women. The experience of women in cults frequently involves the loss of control over their own bodies, their sexual and reproductive rights, and the right to choose their own spouse and raise their own children. In their research on global violence against women in cults, Whitsett and Rosow found that “gender-based inequality and unjust treatment of women and girls inside of cults mirror systemic inequality faced by women globally.” To put an end to all violence against women, whether existing within a cult or elsewhere, we must ensure that womens’ voices are heard and systemic changes are implemented.

Cults Today: The “Cult of Trump”

Cults still exist in various forms today. As mentioned earlier, there has been growing discussion surrounding the “cult of Trump” in recent years. Much like followers of Stalin and Hitler, many supporters of Donald Trump view him as a savior who has come to “Make America Great Again.” In reality, Trump has created a cult of personality rooted in hatred and division. Through methods such as the manipulation of media and the spread of false information, as well as blatant lies and fearmongering, he has convinced his supporters that the U.S. open-border policy is allowing an invasion of “poisonous” immigrants, that Democrats are “the enemy from within,” and that the 2020 election was “stolen.” Any unfavorable news coverage directed towards Trump is disregarded by him as “fake news,” distorting peoples’ versions of reality. His supporters have been known not to question what he says or does—no matter how outrageous—and to defend him relentlessly. Their unwavering loyalty has even resulted in extreme acts of devotion, such as the January 6th Capitol attack. If someone does speak out against him, Trump will publicly denounce them or even take away their power by removing them from their position. This strong power and influence Trump exercises over his followers constitutes that of a personality cult leader. When cult leaders like Donald Trump accumulate enough power to lead a country or nation, it can become difficult—if not impossible—to prevent the spread of their influence. Still, there are ways in which we can help loved ones leave the “cult of Trump.” Engaging in tough political conversations is a promising first step. Although discussions between individuals with opposing views may be uncomfortable, such dialogue is crucial for change. Once former Trump supporters begin to see things differently, they can find solidarity in others who have had similar experiences. It takes courage to reflect upon your beliefs and admit when you’ve made a mistake, as many former Donald Trump supporters have done by sharing their testimonials through Republican Voters Against Trump. This group, among others, helps individuals leaving the “cult of Trump” connect with others and build a support system during this transformative period in their lives. It may not be possible to help every Trump supporter realize the truth, but igniting the spark for change in even one mind can make a difference. History has shown us that these individual acts of courage—when someone questions authority, reflects, and begins to deconstruct their beliefs—truly matter. In his book, On Tyranny, American historian Timothy Snyder writes, “history does not repeat, but it does instruct.” His warning reminds us that while Trump’s second term and the fight for democracy in America may not unfold exactly as events did in 20th-century Europe, the dangers of unchecked authoritarianism and blind loyalty are far from new. Helping even one person find their way out of a personality cult is not just meaningful on a personal level—it’s part of a larger struggle to preserve our democracy. While the future of the American people remains uncertain, there is hope in knowing that our choices carry the power to create change.

Trump Rally in Wilkes-Barre, PA, 2018 [Image credit: The New York Times]

Recommendations

Addressing the cult phenomenon is crucial, as these groups continue to inflict significant harm and violate the rights of individuals worldwide. The best way to combat the issue of cults is to prevent involvement before it happens. Possessing knowledge of the common tactics used by cult leaders and members, not being afraid to ask questions when considering joining a group, and maintaining a strong support network are all ways in which you can protect yourself and others from cult influence. However, prevention is not always possible or effective. If we can’t prevent cults from happening entirely, then we can support former cult members with their recovery and re-entry into society. Access to mental health services is one of the most important ways society can help survivors of cults, since most people are psychologically or physically abused during their time as a cult member. This abuse often results in mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Survivors of cults also need guidance when it comes to searching for a new place to live or finding a job. It can be difficult to transition to complete independence after being dependent upon a cult for a long period of time. 

Law and policy can also be used to stop cult leaders from exploiting and abusing their followers. Although it is difficult to prosecute cult leaders, particularly in the United States, there have been insightful recommendations. Law professor Robin Laisure wrote an article in 2018 about the similarities between human trafficking and cults. Both international law and U.S. federal law prohibit human trafficking and provide protections to survivors of trafficking. In many cases, it could be argued that a cult leader constitutes a human trafficker and therefore should be prosecuted as one. However, prosecuting cult leaders remains a difficult task given the laws for religious freedom.

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Glossary

• Apocalyptic: relating to the end of the world or another catastrophic event that is believed to be imminent.

• Armageddon (in the New Testament): the place where the final battle between the forces of good and evil will be fought.

• Authoritarian: a system or structure in which one or a few people hold all the power without allowing others to challenge them or make changes.

• Autonomy: the ability to make independent decisions and control one’s own actions or life.

• Brainwashing: a broad class of intense and often coercive tactics intended to produce profound changes in attitudes, beliefs, and emotions.

• CEO (Chief Executive Officer): the highest-ranking person in a company or organization who is responsible for overseeing operations and making major decisions.

• Charismatic: a term used to describe someone who has a special, magnetic-like charm or appeal that attracts and influences others.

• Conscience: the inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person’s thoughts and actions.

• Consensual: involving mutual agreement or permission from all parties involved.

• Cyanide: a fast acting and potentially deadly chemical that affects the body’s ability to use oxygen.

• Denounced: to criticize someone or something strongly and publicly.

• Dissemination: the act of spreading or distributing information widely.

• Distort: to twist or change something so that it no longer reflects the truth or original form.

• Egocentric: thinking only of oneself, without regard for the feelings or desires of others; self-centered.

• “Fake news”: fabricated or deliberately misleading information presented as news, often intended to deceive or manipulate the public.

• Familicide: a type of murder or murder-suicide in which an individual kills multiple close family members in quick succession, and in some cases, the individual kills themseleves.

• Far-left: a political stance favoring extreme liberal political beliefs that aim to eliminate social and economic inequalities, often through the rejection of capitalism.

• Far-right: a political stance favoring extreme conservative political beliefs, often characterized by strong nationalism, traditional social values, and authoritarian governance.

• Fearmongering: the action of deliberately arousing public fear or alarm about a particular issue.

• Framework: a basic structure of rules and principles that shapes and guides actions or decisions.

• Fundamentalist: refers to a branch of Christianity that strictly adheres to what it interprets as the literal and original teachings of the Bible.

• Genocide: the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group.

• Hierarchy: a system in which people are ranked above and below others based on power or authority.

• Holocaust: the systematic state-sponsored killing of six million Jewish men, women, and children as well as millions of others by Nazi Germany and their allies during World War II.

• Human trafficking: modern-day slavery involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.

• Ideology: a set of beliefs or principles that guide how a group thinks, acts, and understands the world.

• Immigrants: people who come to live permanently in a foreign country.

• Imminent: likely to occur at any moment; happening soon.

• Innate: natural or inborn; something that you’re born with rather than something you learn or acquire.

• Manipulation (psychological): when someone tries to influence another person’s thoughts, feelings, or actions for their own benefit.

• Messiah: a person who is believed to be a savior or leader of a group of people, often in a religious sense.

• Narcissistic: a self-centered personality type characterized as having an excessive preoccupation with oneself and one’s own needs, often at the expense of others.

• Operant Conditioning: a learning theory created by American psychologist B.F. Skinner that uses a system of rewards and punishments to change behavior.

• Ostracism: exclusion from a society or group.

• Pathologically: an adverb often used to describe a disease or disorder, implying that the condition is extreme or abnormal.

• Perpetuate: to make something continue indefinitely.

• Phenomenon: an occurrence that is unusual, remarkable, or difficult to explain.

• Polygamy: the practice or custom of being married to more than one person at the same time.

• Propaganda: the dissemination of information—often conveyed through mass media—to influence public opinion.

• Prosecute: to formally charge someone with a crime and take legal action against them in a court of law.

• Psychopathy: a condition characterized by egocentric and antisocial activity, a lack of remorse for one’s actions, an absence of empathy for others, and often criminal tendencies.

• Racketeering: a pattern of illegal activities that are carried out to generate profit and may be disguised as legitimate business deals.

• Religious (or spiritual) abuse: the use of religious or spiritual beliefs to control, manipulate, or harm others.

• Religious extremism: the belief in and promotion of radical views or actions based on a strict interpretation of religious texts, often leading to violent or intolerant behavior against others.

• Revelations: spiritual or divine disclosures of truth, often revealing knowledge or insight that is believed to be given by a higher power.

• Scientology: a set of religious beliefs and practices invented by American author Ron Hubbard in the 1950’s in which individuals aim to overcome traumatic experiences and achieve personal growth and spiritual freedom through a process called auditing. 

• Scrutiny: a careful and detailed examination or investigation, often with the intention of finding errors or flaws.

• Sex trafficking: the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one area or country to another for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

• Sexual exploitation: taking advantage of another person for sexual purposes, often through manipulation, coercion, abuse of power, or deceit, for personal gain or benefit, such as monetary, social, or political profit.

• Shunning: the practice of deliberately excluding or avoiding someone, typically as a form of social or religious punishment.

• Sinister: giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.

• Susceptible: likely to be influenced or harmed by something.

• Systematic inequality: the pervasive and deeply embedded disparities within societal structures, institutions, and systems that disadvantage specific groups based on factors such as race, class, gender, or other identities.

• Tight-knit: a term used to describe a group of people who are very closely connected to one another—like a family, community, or team.

• Transnational: extending or operating beyond national boundaries; not confined to just one nation or state.

• Utopia: an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.

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