Richman, Jessica: "Microcults: The Aftermath"



	International Cultic Studies Association Formerly AFF, American Family Foundation & The Psychology Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid presents
	Conference: Psychological Manipulation, Cultic Groups, and Other Alternative Movements Madrid, Spain July 14-16, 2005 Conférence: Manipulation psychologique, groupes sectaires et autres mouvements alternatifs À Madrid en Espagne du 14 au 16 juillet 2005 Congreso: Manipulación Psicológica, Grupos Sectarios, y otros Movimientos Alternativos Madrid, España 14-16 de Julio, 2005 The International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) is an interdisciplinary network of academicians, professionals, former group members, and families who study and educate the public about social-psychological influence and control, authoritarianism, and zealotry in cultic groups, alternative movements, and other environments. Founded in 1979 as AFF (American Family Foundation), ICSA took on its current name in late 2004 to better reflect the organization's focus and increasingly international and scholarly dimensions.


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	Index
	English Ω 1-Home Conference Ω 2-Program Ω 3-presenters/speakers Ω 4-Fees Ω 5-Ways to Register Ω 6-Facility and Lodging Ω 7-Travel Information Ω 8-Registration Fax/Mail Form Español Ω 1-Página Principal del Congreso - Español Ω 2-Programa Ω 3-Ponentes Ω 4-Cuotas de Inscripción y Alojamiento Ω 5-Formas de Inscripción - Español Ω 6-Lugar de Celebración y Alojamientos Ω 7-Información sobre el viaje Ω 8-Formulario de Inscripción Fax/Correo - Español Français Ω 1-page d'accueil du congrès - Français Ω 2-Programme Ω 3-présentateurs Ω 4-Frais Ω 5-Pour l’inscription - Français Ω 6-Services - Français Ω 7-Renseignements généraux de voyage - Français Ω 8-Formulaire d’inscription par télécopie ou par courrier Microcults: The Aftermath Richman, Jessica This presentation will cover the subject of microcults: small, unofficial cults of personality formed around charismatic, narcissistic leaders. Microcults share some aspects of both abusive relationships and institutional cults, but also have some significant sociological and psychological differences from these other phenomena, especially after the relationship has ended. I will introduce the concept of microcults by presenting a timeline of a "typical" microcult relationship from the point of view of the group member. From involvement in the group to full-fledged participation and membership, to the termination of the relationship and its aftermath, my presentation will focus on the similarities and differences between these stages in abusive relationships, institutional cults, and microcults. I will also cover in detail the concerns of group members who have left microcults. In addition to the difficulties presented by individuals who have left institutional cults or abusive relationships, individuals leaving cultic relationships have the following concerns: Lack of understanding of idiosyncratic problems. Because of the small size of the cult, there is generally no one outside the cult who can understand the specific ideological, social, and environmental concerns that still plague the cult member. It is difficult to receive support, since there is no readily identifiable source of information on the doctrines and techniques used by the cult. Lack of official recognition as a cult. Outsiders often question whether the group was indeed a cult, as it lacks the "name recognition" of larger cults, such as the Unification Church or Heaven's Gate. Ex-members may become confused about their memories of life in the cult and further doubt their experiences. Lack of popular literature on this type of relationship. While cultic relationships bear some similarity to abusive relationships, the purpose of the relationship from the point of view of the cult leader is quite different. Abusive relationships are widely discussed in popular self-help literature. The concept of institutional cults is also easily researched. Cultic relationships, which have similarities to both abusive relationships and institutional cults, are not often discussed.
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