Application

Many individuals see cults as a thing of the past, as a result of an era full of violence and insecurities. But, this is not the case. Cult-like behaviors were being discovered long before the late 1900s and will continue to perpetuate modern day society long after. Melanie Bauman, the Director of Counseling and Health Education at the Webb Schools, believes that a lot of the characteristics that are seen within Cult leaders have to do with their early childhood and emotional bonding development. These two stages of development are predicated on the idea that you learn from those around you what your sense of safety is and how to engage in a healthy way. She goes on to explain that many of those who rise to power have an interesting dynamic with their followers. Many examples, such as Charles Manson, are seen as meek and mild instead of threatening and aggressive. This misinterpretation of their objectives is what leads them to attract so many followers in the first place. Although, Manson had everyone under his watch and was directing them and developing who and what they were. He was very hands-off when it came to the actual violence that the Manson family executed.

As she elaborates on the two types of cult leaders, she says, “When we take a look at those who rise to these positions, we see a lot of individuals suffering from trauma. This trauma stunts their emotional development, ability to bond, and their ability to follow social mores. Due to the fact that social mores have already been crossed for them, as a function of their trauma, it does not become a teaching they hold onto.” On the other hand, some of these leaders do not have any clear history of trauma that can reason their innate sense of violence and abuse. This group of leaders just seems to have psychopathic tendencies. There are a lot of theories behind this psychology especially the relationship between good or evil. Ervin Staub, a professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has spent a lot of time studying the Nazi Regime as a model for large-scale cult behavior. He elaborates specifically on the roles and directive of cults and why so many individuals find themselves falling into the same violent strides as those that have come before them. He accentuates on the necessity for an individual to have structure in their life, a family environment, and space where their needs which had not been met in the past are now being met.

But, the most important aspects of all cults alike is the directive they establish. This directive establishes a sense of unity, purpose, and direction to its followers. And having a purpose in life is one of the most basic yet valuable human needs. Bauman also elaborates on this necessity, she explains how humans have Maslow’s hierarchy of needs – shelter, food, safety, etc., but they also have a set of emotional needs. And one of the most recurring emotional needs is the need to be needed. She explains, “If you have value and importance in a system and you see that this value and importance is being lauded over and over again, no matter what it is, you follow and fall into that space.” Those who follow cults do so because they want a sense of safety within their environment, a place to call home, and a family that approves of them, despite the consequences of their actions. And cult disciples will sacrifice their morals to achieve this sense of reality.