Identifier	Hon 1
Author	Anderson, Kate Lynn, 1989-
Title	Why join a cult ?: an analysis of the motivating factors behind an individual's decision to join a cult
Publisher	Central Connecticut State University
Date	2010
Resource Type	Honors Thesis
Notes	“Why Join A Cult ?: An Analysis of the Motivating Factors behind an Individual’s Decision to Join a Cult” considers the prevalence of cults in today’s society in relation to pseudoscientific beliefs. While the public generally attributes the decision to join a cult to an individual’s mental instability, my thesis argues that we should consider a variety of factors, both internal and external, that encompass the social and cultural appeal of pseudoscience. As such, I propose that it is vital to understand the relationship between cults and pseudosciences, since the research for both is used interchangeably. This thesis examines the motivating factors behind an individual’s decision to join a cult, with a special focus on two case studies, the Millerites and Heaven’s Gate. While these two cases are largely unique, they have in common some factors that highlight and ultimately lead to the recommendations I offer in my closing chapter—recommendations that further consider the reasons that look beyond mental illness when theorizing why someone would join a cult in this scientific age, as well as recognize means to counteract belief in cults.
Subject	Cults -- Psychology
Department	Honors Program
Advisor	Larsen, Kristine M., 1963-
Type	Text
Digital Format	application/pdf
Language	eng
OCLC number	713734390
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Why join a cult?: an analysis of the motivating factors behind an individual's decision to join a cult

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