{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-effects-of-being-in-a-cult","path":"/library/mental-health-effects-of-being-in-a-cult","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-effects-of-being-in-a-cult","title":"The Mental Health Impact of Cults","family":"Library detail","description":"Emotionally vulnerable people can often be recruited into cults more easily than others, which can further impact their mental health. Find out more here.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-effects-of-being-in-a-cult","wordpressId":"609","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/sean-jackson#person","name":"Sean Jackson","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/sean-jackson"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2023-09-20T11:17:18Z","dateModified":"2025-11-28T05:10:29Z","lastReviewed":"2023-09-20"},"content":{"html":"

The Mental Health Impact of Cults

Written by \"\"Sean JacksonMedically reviewed by \"\"Morgan Blair

Published on · Updated on

People who join cults often do so out of a strong desire to belong, matter, and give meaning to their lives. In reality, cults often don’t provide these things, instead demanding complete commitment to the organization, which can inflict severe psychological harm on their members - and often physical harm, too.

\"A

Key takeaways

  • High-control groups can exploit a desire for belonging while demanding extensive loyalty and obedience.
  • Manipulation and isolation can undermine confidence, relationships, and psychological well-being.
  • Leaving may require trusted outside support, and recovery can involve addressing lasting effects of coercion and trauma.

What is a cult?

\nAccording to the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), a cult is “an ideological organization held together by charismatic relations and demanding total commitment.”[1]\n

Within this definition, we see the basis of cult psychology - it demands total commitment from its members. We also see some of the characteristic signs of a cult. Also, cults are based on a specific ideology led by someone charismatic and require you to put the organization first and yourself second.

Part of this process is what’s known as social influence. Cults have particular norms that all members must obey. These norms might dictate what you can or cannot do (e.g., you can’t leave the cult’s property), what you believe (e.g., that the cult leader is somehow exceptional), and who you have contact with (e.g., you might be forbidden from speaking to your family)⁠[1].

\nThese and other norms are necessary for maintaining order within the cult. They also help create a group identity and a strong “us versus them” outlook that facilitates obedience among cult members to the cult’s cause and leader.\n

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Carlos Protzel Psy.D.

Integrative mental health care

How are people convinced to join cults?

\nBefore discussing how people are convinced to join a cult, it’s essential to consider factors that make someone more likely to be convinced to join in the first place.\n

A top risk factor for someone to join a cult is exposure to cultic behavior at some point in their earlier life. Whether that’s an extreme situation like being raised in a cult, a more low-level interaction like being aware that a cult’s compound is nearby, or something in between, exposure to cults increases the likelihood of joining a cult later in life by more than 32 percent⁠[2].

One of the risk factors for joining a cult is when individuals are searching for something or missing something important. This ‘something’ could be a sense of belonging, a connection to a higher power, or something in between. However, most people join cults to address some affective or social issue occurring in their lives⁠[2].

Another factor researchers have noted for people who join cults is that these invididuals tend to have psychiatric difficulties, especially within the year before joining. Anxiety disorders are the most common issue, with nearly 52 percent of former cult members reporting having an anxiety disorder. Mood disorders (45.2 percent) and substance abuse disorders (12.9 percent) are also common among cult members⁠[2].

Given the vulnerabilities of people that join cults, it is often relatively easy to employ cult psychology techniques to convince people to join. As noted earlier, some of the perceived benefits of a cult by prospective members is a sense of belonging and purpose. Furthermore, prospective members might gain a sense of safety and appreciate cult life's structure.

\nWhen people are anxious, sad, abusing drugs, or all of the above, the promise of a hot meal, a comfortable bed, and a supportive network of like-minded people is highly alluring. In other words, cult leaders often don’t have to work that hard to convince people to join - even the promise of basic life essentials can usually do the trick.\n

What techniques are used to keep people in cults?

\nOne of the most common ways cults retain their members is through gaslighting. This type of psychological manipulation makes you question reality, including the validity of your own perceptions, sensations, thoughts, and memories. In fact, gaslighting can be so severe that you begin to question your very sanity⁠[3].\n

Cult leaders employ gaslighting and other mind-control techniques to maintain control over their followers. After all, if you question the validity of your memory and point of view, you’re more likely to believe what the cult leader is telling you to be true⁠[3].

Isolation is another key method for keeping people in cults and is one of the main signs of a cult as well. Cults are usually isolated from the outside world (e.g., having a compound in the middle of nowhere), and cult members are often cut off from the outside world, including family, friends, and other associates from their previous lives⁠[4].

This isolationism creates a greater and greater level of control exerted by the cult and cult leader. For example, you might first be asked to tithe part of your income to the cult. Then you might be asked to move near the cult compound and then onto the cult property. Eventually, you might entirely rely on the cult organization for necessities and services.

Many cults also use what’s called “love bombing” to draw people in and keep them under the cult’s control. As noted earlier, many people that join cults have anxiety or mood disorders and abuse drugs. These activities are often associated with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness⁠[5].

\nLove bombing preys on those feelings by showering new members with praise. The constant stream of flattery, compliments, and other affirmations can be intoxicating to someone that has a negative self-concept. Even if alarm bells go off that the situation is inappropriate, unhealthy, or even dangerous, the constant love bombs often prove too powerful and keep people thoroughly ensconced in the cult environment.\n

Long-term effects of being in a cult

\nThe effects of being in a cult might be examined through two lenses: the effects of growing up in a cult and the psychological effects of leaving a cult.\n

Some adults raised in cults describe long-term difficulties with trust, intimacy, identity, and close relationships. Experiences differ, and individual support needs should be assessed[5].

\nThere are many other effects of growing up in a cult:\n

\nUntreated, these issues can cause further difficulties for children who formerly lived in a cult. Seeking appropriate psychological treatment is paramount for addressing these and other effects of cult psychology.\n

The other component of this is the psychological effects of leaving a cult. As just noted, children raised in cults face many potential psychological issues during and after their cult experience. The same goes for adults that choose to leave.

Some former members describe difficult adjustment to life outside the group, including rebuilding relationships and finding their footing in everyday life[7].

Additionally, former cult members face psychological challenges because of the realization that their former belief system was not what they thought it to be. They may see themselves as lost, damaged, or helpless. They might also question other aspects of their lives, such as whether they are worthy of others’ love.

Leaving can involve loss of community and practical challenges around work and social support. Qualitative accounts highlight the value of support during reintegration[7].

How to leave a cult

\nLeaving a cult is no easy task. However, there are some basic steps you can take that make your escape more likely:\n

    \n
  • Identify people on the outside that can help you. If possible, try to contact these people to arrange for them to help you escape.
    • \n
  • Identify opportunities when you can escape. Trips outside the cult compound are likely the most accessible to affect your escape.
    • \n
  • Pack what necessities you can. If your escape is prolonged, clothing, food, water, and other essentials are needed.
    • \n
  • Seek shelter with friends or family, a homeless shelter, or the police, who can put you in protective custody if you feel you’re in danger.
    • \n
  • Cut all ties with the cult and its members. Breaking contact with the cult will make it much easier not to get sucked back in.
    • \n
  • Seek psychological help. As discussed earlier, there are serious psychological effects of leaving a cult. You will need support from loved ones and professional assistance to work through the psychological damage you’ve experienced.
    • \n

References

  1. Rousselet, M., Duretete, O., Hourdouin, J.B., & Grall-Bronnec, M. (2017, November). Cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving? Psychiatry Research, 257, 27-33. ScienceDirect. Accessed July 22 2023.
  2. Petric, D. (2018, September). Gaslighting and the knot theory of mind. Research Gate. ResearchGate. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. Christensen, L. & Marshall, L.E. (n.d.). Cults and mind manipulation: pathology or path of righteousness? Columbia University 21stC. columbia.edu. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. The National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Signs of love bombing. National Domestic Violence Hotline. Accessed October 10 2026.
  5. Kern, C., & Jungbauer, J. (2022). Long-term effects of a cult childhood on attachment, intimacy, and close relationships: Results of an in-depth interview study.Clinical Social Work Journal, 50, 207–217. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026.
  6. The lived experiences of survivors of a religious cult: a phenomenological study. (n.d.). ujcontent.uj.ac.za. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Sean Jackson

Writer

Sean Jackson is a medical writer with 25+ years of experience, holding a B.A. degree from the University of Nottingham.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Morgan Blair, M.A.

MA, LPCC

Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.

Reviewed
\"\"

Related community

Mental Health

A shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection.

","text":"Home Library Mental Health The Mental Health Impact of Cults The Mental Health Impact of Cults Written by Sean JacksonMedically reviewed by Morgan Blair Published on September 20, 2023 · Updated on November 28, 2025 People who join cults often do so out of a strong desire to belong, matter, and give meaning to their lives. In reality, cults often don’t provide these things, instead demanding complete commitment to the organization, which can inflict severe psychological harm on their members - and often physical harm, too. Key takeaways High-control groups can exploit a desire for belonging while demanding extensive loyalty and obedience. Manipulation and isolation can undermine confidence, relationships, and psychological well-being. Leaving may require trusted outside support, and recovery can involve addressing lasting effects of coercion and trauma. What is a cult? According to the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), a cult is “an ideological organization held together by charismatic relations and demanding total commitment.”[1] Within this definition, we see the basis of cult psychology - it demands total commitment from its members. We also see some of the characteristic signs of a cult. Also, cults are based on a specific ideology led by someone charismatic and require you to put the organization first and yourself second. Part of this process is what’s known as social influence. Cults have particular norms that all members must obey. These norms might dictate what you can or cannot do (e.g., you can’t leave the cult’s property), what you believe (e.g., that the cult leader is somehow exceptional), and who you have contact with (e.g., you might be forbidden from speaking to your family)⁠[1]. These and other norms are necessary for maintaining order within the cult. They also help create a group identity and a strong “us versus them” outlook that facilitates obedience among cult members to the cult’s cause and leader. Subject matter expert Carlos Protzel Psy.D. Integrative mental health care How are people convinced to join cults? Before discussing how people are convinced to join a cult, it’s essential to consider factors that make someone more likely to be convinced to join in the first place. A top risk factor for someone to join a cult is exposure to cultic behavior at some point in their earlier life. Whether that’s an extreme situation like being raised in a cult, a more low-level interaction like being aware that a cult’s compound is nearby, or something in between, exposure to cults increases the likelihood of joining a cult later in life by more than 32 percent⁠[2]. One of the risk factors for joining a cult is when individuals are searching for something or missing something important. This ‘something’ could be a sense of belonging, a connection to a higher power, or something in between. However, most people join cults to address some affective or social issue occurring in their lives⁠[2]. Another factor researchers have noted for people who join cults is that these invididuals tend to have psychiatric difficulties, especially within the year before joining. Anxiety disorders are the most common issue, with nearly 52 percent of former cult members reporting having an anxiety disorder. Mood disorders (45.2 percent) and substance abuse disorders (12.9 percent) are also common among cult members⁠[2]. Given the vulnerabilities of people that join cults, it is often relatively easy to employ cult psychology techniques to convince people to join. As noted earlier, some of the perceived benefits of a cult by prospective members is a sense of belonging and purpose. Furthermore, prospective members might gain a sense of safety and appreciate cult life's structure. When people are anxious, sad, abusing drugs, or all of the above, the promise of a hot meal, a comfortable bed, and a supportive network of like-minded people is highly alluring. In other words, cult leaders often don’t have to work that hard to convince people to join - even the promise of basic life essentials can usually do the trick. What techniques are used to keep people in cults? One of the most common ways cults retain their members is through gaslighting. This type of psychological manipulation makes you question reality, including the validity of your own perceptions, sensations, thoughts, and memories. In fact, gaslighting can be so severe that you begin to question your very sanity⁠[3]. Cult leaders employ gaslighting and other mind-control techniques to maintain control over their followers. After all, if you question the validity of your memory and point of view, you’re more likely to believe what the cult leader is telling you to be true⁠[3]. Isolation is another key method for keeping people in cults and is one of the main signs of a cult as well. Cults are usually isolated from the outside world (e.g., having a compound in the middle of nowhere), and cult members are often cut off from the outside world, including family, friends, and other associates from their previous lives⁠[4]. This isolationism creates a greater and greater level of control exerted by the cult and cult leader. For example, you might first be asked to tithe part of your income to the cult. Then you might be asked to move near the cult compound and then onto the cult property. Eventually, you might entirely rely on the cult organization for necessities and services. Many cults also use what’s called “love bombing” to draw people in and keep them under the cult’s control. As noted earlier, many people that join cults have anxiety or mood disorders and abuse drugs. These activities are often associated with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness⁠[5]. Love bombing preys on those feelings by showering new members with praise. The constant stream of flattery, compliments, and other affirmations can be intoxicating to someone that has a negative self-concept. Even if alarm bells go off that the situation is inappropriate, unhealthy, or even dangerous, the constant love bombs often prove too powerful and keep people thoroughly ensconced in the cult environment. Long-term effects of being in a cult The effects of being in a cult might be examined through two lenses: the effects of growing up in a cult and the psychological effects of leaving a cult. Some adults raised in cults describe long-term difficulties with trust, intimacy, identity, and close relationships. Experiences differ, and individual support needs should be assessed[5]. There are many other effects of growing up in a cult: Feelings of guilt and shame Distrust of others Development of phobias Depression Post-traumatic stress disorder Untreated, these issues can cause further difficulties for children who formerly lived in a cult. Seeking appropriate psychological treatment is paramount for addressing these and other effects of cult psychology. The other component of this is the psychological effects of leaving a cult. As just noted, children raised in cults face many potential psychological issues during and after their cult experience. The same goes for adults that choose to leave. Some former members describe difficult adjustment to life outside the group, including rebuilding relationships and finding their footing in everyday life[7]. Additionally, former cult members face psychological challenges because of the realization that their former belief system was not what they thought it to be. They may see themselves as lost, damaged, or helpless. They might also question other aspects of their lives, such as whether they are worthy of others’ love. Leaving can involve loss of community and practical challenges around work and social support. Qualitative accounts highlight the value of support during reintegration[7]. How to leave a cult Leaving a cult is no easy task. However, there are some basic steps you can take that make your escape more likely: Identify people on the outside that can help you. If possible, try to contact these people to arrange for them to help you escape. Identify opportunities when you can escape. Trips outside the cult compound are likely the most accessible to affect your escape. Pack what necessities you can. If your escape is prolonged, clothing, food, water, and other essentials are needed. Seek shelter with friends or family, a homeless shelter, or the police, who can put you in protective custody if you feel you’re in danger. Cut all ties with the cult and its members. Breaking contact with the cult will make it much easier not to get sucked back in. Seek psychological help. As discussed earlier, there are serious psychological effects of leaving a cult. You will need support from loved ones and professional assistance to work through the psychological damage you’ve experienced. Find support that fits you Explore people and care options near you. Find care References Rousselet, M., Duretete, O., Hourdouin, J.B., & Grall-Bronnec, M. (2017, November). Cult membership: What factors contribute to joining or leaving? Psychiatry Research, 257, 27-33. ScienceDirect. Accessed July 22 2023. Petric, D. (2018, September). Gaslighting and the knot theory of mind. Research Gate. ResearchGate. Accessed October 10 2026. Christensen, L. & Marshall, L.E. (n.d.). Cults and mind manipulation: pathology or path of righteousness? Columbia University 21stC. columbia.edu. Accessed October 10 2026. The National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Signs of love bombing. National Domestic Violence Hotline. Accessed October 10 2026. Kern, C., & Jungbauer, J. (2022). Long-term effects of a cult childhood on attachment, intimacy, and close relationships: Results of an in-depth interview study.Clinical Social Work Journal, 50, 207–217. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026. The lived experiences of survivors of a religious cult: a phenomenological study. (n.d.). ujcontent.uj.ac.za. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Sean Jackson Writer Sean Jackson is a medical writer with 25+ years of experience, holding a B.A. degree from the University of Nottingham. Published September 20, 2023 Updated November 28, 2025 Medical Reviewer Morgan Blair, M.A. MA, LPCC Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. Reviewed September 20, 2023 Related community Mental Health A shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection. Table of contentsChoose a section What is a cult? How are people convinced to join cults? What techniques are used to keep people in cults? Long-term effects of being in a cult How to leave a cult View more","wordCount":1781},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-effects-of-being-in-a-cult#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Mental Health","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"The Mental Health Impact of Cults","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-effects-of-being-in-a-cult"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-effects-of-being-in-a-cult#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/b63c61c778f882470ae0aacf.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/b63c61c778f882470ae0aacf.webp","width":1200,"height":800,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A woman listens during a supportive counseling conversation."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/sean-jackson#person","name":"Sean Jackson","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/sean-jackson","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/247332c17ad5442e70eb051e.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-jackson-writer/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair","jobTitle":"MA, LPCC","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/9f1be5c5cc2b412cfab5f6cc.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-blair-5627aa88/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs#department"}]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-effects-of-being-in-a-cult#article","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-effects-of-being-in-a-cult","headline":"The Mental Health Impact of Cults","description":"Emotionally vulnerable people can often be recruited into cults more easily than others, which can further impact their mental health. 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