Kids in Cults (From Deviance in American Life, P 223-230, 1989, James M. Henslin, ed. -- See NCJ-124163)

• NCJ Number: 124172
• Author(s): I Doress; J N Porter
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Transaction Publishers
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This document explores the reasons young adults of post-high school age are attracted to cults.

Abstract

The reasons for young people joining a cult include flight from a negative home environment; a spiritual search for answers; security; differentiation from parents; adolescent rebellion; and the adventure of escaping from boredom, strict parents, or onerous duties at home. Other reasons are the achievement of instant attention and recognition, idealism, and underemployment and dead-end jobs. Young people stay in cults because their needs are being met; they have loving interpersonal relations; there is a finer, purer physical and moral environment; spiritual hunger; and fear of leaving. Finally, young people leave cults because of disillusionment, completion of stage of development, or kidnap rescue. Educating people about the nature of cults is very important and may be the most effective method in combating cults.