The psychological development and consequences of involvement with new religious movements

Dubrow-Marshall, LJ; Dubrow-Marshall, R

Abstract

The loss of self and self-identity present as common issues for former members of new religious movements seeking help after leaving – the huge gain and importance of the group and belief system is replaced with an understanding that much of what was considered highly sacred is now profane, that who I was is no longer who I am, that the search for freedom and meaning is never ending after all (Fromm, 1941). This loss of confidence and trust in others and in oneself presents difficulties for therapists and psychologists in establishing an authentic psychotherapeutic relationship with clients who have left a group which has dominated their lives, identities and personalities (Singer, 2003). The psychological journey from ecstasy to agony, from addiction to withdrawal, leads to psychopathology such as depression, dissociation and anxiety that is group related (Dubrow-Marshall & Martin, 2008). Evidence suggests that early interventions to help members and groups who are facing boundary issues over the extent of the group’s involvement in members’ day to day lives and the ability of members to think ‘outside the group’, will assist in reducing the occurrence of group related psychopathology and will lead to healthier groups, individuals and family relationships.

• Publication Date: Dec 27, 2017
• Deposit Date: Mar 7, 2018
• Pages: 80-95
• Series Title: Routledge Inform Series on Minority Religions and Spiritual Movements
• Book Title: New Religious Movements and Counselling : Academic, Professional and Personal Perspectives
• ISBN: 9781472472717
• Publisher URL: https://www.routledge.com/New-Religious-Movements-and-Counselling-Academic-Professional-and-Personal/Harvey-Steidinger-Beckford/p/book/9781472472717