Abstract
Cults are religious organizations requiring total commitment and submission from their members. They form a highly controlling environment with rigid structures to suppress individuality. Being born and raised within a cultic community has a significant impact on the life course of those affected. Especially after exit or exclusion, second generation ex-members commonly have to face different challenges. This study aimed to investigate these cultic childhood experiences and their long-term effects on the individual development and the further lives of those affected. Former cult members (n = 16) who were born and raised in cultic groups participated in an in-depth qualitative interview study. The findings indicate that growing up in a family belonging to a cult is often associated with serious restrictions, burdens and even traumatization. Later in life, this may lead to the development of self-esteem problems, mental disorders, and difficulties in intimate relationships. Individual life experiences should be taken into account when providing help for those who have grown up in a cult and managed to get out of it. Based on the study results, recommendations for psycho-social practice are presented in this paper.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Kathrin Kaufmann and Laura Illig for their collaboration in this study. Without their great contribution this article would not have been possible. We also thank Joelle Zabotka from Monmouth University, School of Social Work, for her careful final proofreading and valuable suggestions.
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Kern, C., Jungbauer, J. Long-Term Effects of a Cult Childhood on Attachment, Intimacy, and Close Relationships: Results of an In-Depth Interview Study. Clin Soc Work J 50, 207–217 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-020-00773-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-020-00773-w