Why people join cults

In “What is a Cult? With Dr. Janja Lalich | Season 2 - Episode 15,” Dr. Janja Lalich explains cults as closed social systems built around authoritarian leaders, totalizing belief systems, overt controls, and emotional influence. The conversation connects cult dynamics to narcissistic abuse, showing how idealistic and capable people are recruited, how their choices become constrained through indoctrination, and why recovery requires psychoeducation, self-forgiveness, emotional rebuilding, and informed support from others.

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