The Three Stages of Gaining Control of the Mind

[Adapted from Kurt Lewin's three-stage model as described in Coercive Persuasion (Norton, 1961) by Edgar Schein]

• 1.Unfreezing
• a.Disorientation / confusion
• b.Sensory deprivation and/or sensory overload
• c.Physiological manipulation

• 1.Sleep deprivation
• 2.Privacy deprivation
• 3.Change of diet
• d.Hypnosis

• 1.Age regression
• 2.Visualizations
• 3.Story-telling and metaphors
• 4.Linguistic double binds, use of suggestion
• 5.Meditation, chanting, praying, singing
• e.Get person to question self identity
• f.Redefine individual's past (implant false memories, forget positive memories of the past)
• 2. Changing
• a.Creation and imposition of new "identity"done step by step

• 1.Formally within indoctrination sessions
• 2.Informally by members, tapes, books, etc.
• b.Use of Behavior Modification techniques

• 1.Rewards and punishments
• 2.Use of thought-stopping techniques
• 3.Control of environment
• c.Mystical manipulation
• d.Use of hypnosis and other mind-altering techniques

• 1.Repetition, monotony, rhythm
• 2.Excessive chanting, praying, decreeing, visualizations
• e.Use of confession and testimonials

• 3.Refreezing
• a.New identity reinforced, old identity surrendered

• 1.Separate from the past; decrease contact or cut off friends and family
• <b.2.Give up meaningful possessions and donate assets
• 3.Start doing cult activities: recruit, fundraise, move in with members
• b.New name, new clothing, new hairstyle, new language, new "family"
• c.Pairing up with new role models, buddy system
• d.Indoctrination continues: Workshops, retreats, seminars, individual studies, group activities

Remember, cult mind control does not erase the person's old identity, but rather creates a new one to suppress the old identity (John-John and John-cult). BACK to Psychological Issues