The link between cults and the theory of groupthink
...h with him and one another on the internet. About ten years later, in 1978, the world was shocked by an even stranger and more terrible cult related occurrence. Jim Jones, the leader of a cult by the name of the People’s Temple, ordered a mass suicide of over nine-hundred people who had settled in Jonestown in Guyana, South America. The tragedy came about when a congressman from California came for a visit in Jonestown. Leo J. Ryan was investigating allegations that some of the members of the cult were being held captive and that the children were being abused (Sean 2000). A former cult member came forward with the allegations against Jones and his cult. As Ryan, his party, and the former cult member were leaving Jonestown to get on their plane, they were swamped by members of the Jonestown cult. The congressman, his party, and the former cult member were all killed (Sean 2000). Jones then told his followers, “If we can’t live in peace, then let’s die in peace” (McCormick 1998). A container of Kool-Aid laced in poison was brought out, and the cult members lined up to drink from it. Most members drank the poison willingly. Those who resisted were either shot or injected with poison. It is difficult to understand that cults have the ability to gain so many followers who are willing to take their own lives. To many, cults have an irrational and absurd belief system. Some think that cult members have some type of psychological problem. Astonishingly, studies have shown that cult members have above average intelligence. How then can it be explained that so many people become involved in cults and take part in such irrational behavior? Groupthink Theory The theory of Groupthink, coined by Social Psychologist Irving Janis can explain how a cult attracts members, leads them to believe such extravagant ideas, and then twists them into loyal members. There are a number of causes of Groupthink, and many of these are apparent in cults. “Groupthink is a communication process that sometimes develops when members of a group begin thinking similarly, greatly reducing the probability that the group will reach an effective decision” (Rancer & Womack 2003). Groupthink can only occur in cohesive groups (Rancer & Womack 2003). These groups have many advantages over groups that lack unity. People are more likely to enjoy their membership in a unified group and are less likely to deviate from that group. When cohesiveness intensifies, members of a group are more likely to take on goals, decisions, and norms of a group as their own. This is very evident in cults. Cults usually lure people in by making them feel as if they belong to the group and add something to the group. The members of a group are bound together by their devotion to their leader, an ideal, or a thing. In an article in Redbook Magazine, Michael D’Antonio described how eighteen-year-old Diane Savill became involved in a cult like group while she was a college student. Savill joined a Bible Study group called Campus Advance, which is affiliated with the International Church of Christ (Gay 1997). “Within days, she was immersed in round-the –clock study sessions. Deprived of food and sleep, Dianne was convinced that the group spoke for God when they said she must reject her parents, dump her boyfriend, and abandon any friends that she could not convert to the faith.” She genuinely believed that her new friends really cared about her because she said, “They ‘love-bombed’ me all the time, telling me how wonderful I was, how I was going to be such a good recruiter for their church” (p. 77). These are the tactics cults use. Their first plan of attack is to shower a person with love and attention. The cult then introduces rash ideas. The new member now feels as though he is a part of the group and usually accepts the ideas and beliefs of the cult. According to the groupthink theory, when a group begins to think similarly, it is likely that the group will make an inferior decision (Rancer &Womack 2003). Isolation is a key indication in groupthink (Rancer & Womack 2003). Groupthink groups isolate themselves from the outside world (Duncan 2004). The group is exposed only to the opinions of its members, since the group is very similar in beliefs; the decision that is made will most likely be a poor one. This is apparent in the Heaven’s Gate cult. The decision that they made was decided between members of the cult, they received no input from any other source, and therefore their decision was disastrous. Biased leadership can also be a major warning sign for Groupthink and cults (Rancer & Womack 2003). The leader of a cult usually claims to have some type of special power or to be some type of Messiah. The leader determines the agenda for the members, sets limits on discussion, and can even decide who will be heard. Groupthink also becomes more likely in a group that is stressed (Rancer & Womack 2003). This is relevant in the Heaven’s Gate cult, as the Hale-Bopp comet and the holy season of Easter were arriving simultaneously. The combination of the two forced the group into a decision without adequate time to think it through. When groups are stressed, according to the Groupthink theory, they minimize their discomfort by quickly choosing a plan of action, with little argument (Duncan 2004). Then, the group will rationalize their decision by exaggerating positive consequences, minimizing the possibility of a negative outcome, concentrating on minor details, and overlooking larger issues (Rancer & Womack 2003). An additional symptom of groupthink is overestimation of the group (Rancer & Womack 2003). Groups that have become trapped in groupthink usually plan disasters and make wrong choices, yet the members assume that everything is working flawlessly. A group suffering from groupthink becomes very close minded (Rancer & Womack 2003). The group is likely to discount information and warnings that may save them from making a wrong choice. In cults, the members view themselves as superior to the outside world. They believe that they are correct in their choices and that everyone else is wrong, so they shutout the outside world. Healthy Groups A group suffering from groupthink can make some terrible decisions. Groupthink can be very dangerous. It is very easy to get involved in a group of this type. Many competent people have been the victims of groupthink. A healthy group should encourage the voicing of objections (Duncan 2004). Its leader should appear unbiased and encourage response from the group. Another possible way to avoid group think is to separate the group into subgroups, as this allows for more than one solution (Duncan 2004). It is important, that a group bring in a trusted external voice when faced with an important decision. It is vital for the group to appoint a devil’s advocate to challenge the group’s decisions. Lastly, a healthy group should always anticipate all possible consequences (Rancer & Womack 2003). References Bardsley, M. (n.d.). Murder!. retrieved Oct 27, 2004, from COURTTV.COM Web site: http://www.crimelibrary.com/manson/mansonmain.htm. This site explains the Charles Manson cult in detail. A description of each of the victims murdered by the cult is given. A detailed report is given of the events that occurred on the day of the murders. Broder, J. (1997). Suicide in san diego: were cultists recruited on the web?. retrieved Oct 27, 2004, from http://www.rickross.com/reference/heavensgate This article gives the personality profile of a cult member. They are usually introverted, but extremely intelligent. The article attempts to explain why the internet was a useful means to attract members of the Heaven’s Gate cult. Futrelle, D. . (1997). The san diego cultists have more in common with other religious enthusiasts than you might think. retrieved Oct 27, 2004, from Ho...