This site is an example of "Psychology Tree: Interactive Psychology Resources". This project was not funded for 97-98 so we are building it when we have a chance. Check back as we add in additional resources and more elaborated links.Some links may have died or changed recently. As usual, browse at your own risk and use your good judgement. Some sites may seem offensive to some individuals. Introduction
We are often struck by what appears to be the senseless acts of mass suicide by large groups of people who belong to cults...Jonestown, Order of the Solar Temple, and now Heaven's Gate. The more recent incidents suggests that most of these people were bright, competent, and productive individuals.
There are powerful social forces that can distort one's perception of reality and influence people to do things that they would normally not even consider as responsible individuals. As you will find in the links below, the social psychological effects of groups can produce alterations in personality (a dissociative state), post traumatic stress disorder, and the commission of illegal acts.News Coverage of Heaven's Gate
New Religious Movements Index
Cults that Kill
Psychological IssuesOverviews
Obedience and Conformity
Dissociative Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Charismatic LeadershipJournals covering the Impact of Cults
Anti-Cult Organizations
Cal Poly Library References
Judy Saltzman's Mustang Daily Article: CULTS AND THE MEANING OF LIFE
The News Coverage of the Heaven's Gate Suicide
CNN News Summaries
New Religious Movements Index
This excellent resource can link you directly to websites dealing with cults. It is associated with a Sociology course at the University of Virginia. In the words of the teacher, Professor Jeffrey Hadden:
"This site seeks to provide a foundation for understanding how religious groups emerge, grow, stagnate, reinvigorate themselves, and sometimes die. It also seeks to promote understanding of religion more broadly without preference for or against any particular religious group."
Index of new religious movements Index of anti-cult and counter cult sites Links to religion meagsites Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Provides useful definitions and links.
Definitions of Cult, Sects, and Denominations Harmless Cults Mind Control Cults Doomsday Cults
Cults that Kill
Doomsday and Destructive Religious Cults Cult's 'R Us Hit List
Psychological Issues
Overview of Research
Short Review of the Research into Cults Collection of Summaries of Psychological Factors
Conformity and ObedienceIn the right circumstances, most of use can be coaxed, pressured, or coerced to do virtually anything.
Chapter 9: Conformity and Obedience in Groups Section Social Psychology Splash Page Future Links Will Go Here!
Charismatic LeadershipIn most desctructive cults, charismatic leadership is an important component.
Future Links will go here!
The Effects of Coercive Cults on Individuals
Dissociative Disorders
Chaper XX: Dissociative Disorder Pseudo-Identity and Personality Change
in Victims of Captivity and Cults
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Future Chapter link: Post traumatic stress disorder National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Studies
Journals
Cultic Studies Journal Journal published by the AFF Anti-Cult Organizations
AFF American Family Foundation's stated mission is to study psychological manipulation and cultic groups, to educate the public and professionals, and to assist those who have been adversely affected by a cult experience. .CultArchive
Cal Poly Library References
Title Brief Abstract Biographical dictionary of American cult and sect leaders / by J. Gordon Melton. Doomsday Cult; a study of conversion, proselytization, and maintenance of faith/ by John Lofland. Religious cults in America / edited by Robert Emmet Long. Psychology's occult doubles : psychology and the problem of pseudoscience / Thomas Hardy Leahey and Grace Evans Leahey. Strange sects and cults: a study of their origins and influence [by] Egon Larsen Youth, brainwashing, and the extremist cults / Ronald Enroth. This article suggests a new way of understanding the notorious Indian guru, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, by examining the intimate relationship between his religious teachings and his charismatic authority. This URL unfortunately changes frequently. We are working with the library to determine if it is possible to create more stable URL's. Please let us know when this has gone "bad" and we will update it.
