How Cults are Destructive

Today, November 18, 2024, is International Cult Awareness Day. It is important to acknowledge the harms perpetuated by cultic systems and provide resources for those who have been harmed.

In an effort to secure power and leverage, cults work to demolish the pillars of humanity. This is seen through the destruction of relationships, trust, connection, dreams, goals, and even one’s sense of self. Cults accomplish this by utilizing different forms of control. The BITE Model by Steven Hassan describes the methods of behavior, information, thought, and emotional control.

Here are some examples of how all of these forms of control are present in Scientological practices, particularly in the Sea Organization, or the Sea Org:

• Behavior: Sea Org members have highly regulated schedules in which the organization knows one’s whereabouts at all times; you can learn more in our interview with board president Claire Headley linked here.

• Information: Rachael Hastings outlines how communication is controlled in the Sea Org by limiting who can have access to a cell phone and restricting who members can call, further detailed in Rachael’s interview here.

• Thought: According to Margery Wakefield in Understanding Scientology, “Scientology, to the Scientologist, is the only truth. This fact has caused enormous frustration for many family members trying to reason with the Scientologist in their family. The mind of the Scientologist is closed to any other possibility...”

• Emotional: Practices include the labeling of individuals as “suppressive persons”, or SPs, and encouraging members of the group (including their family members) to cease communication with them, also known as disconnection.

At The Aftermath Foundation, our goal is to assist those leaving Scientology as they restore their freedom, independence, and identity. We do this by offering programs focused on recovery and support. 

We believe that when we work together to educate our communities about the destructive and exploitative nature of cults, we can prevent further harm.