Describe the procedures used in brainwashing and in cult conversion, and explain how these two procedures are similar and how they are different

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer will include that both brainwashing and cult conversion are forced attitude change, and both involve the use of isolation from one's reference groups. Differences will include a discussion of how each is accomplished. For example, brainwashing requires a captive audience and has three phases: (1) unfreezing of old beliefs using physical and psychological abuse; (2) change occurring at the breaking point; and (3) refreezing or solidifying through a mixture of fear, hope, and pressures to conform. Brainwashing is not permanent once the captives are free from their oppressors with their attitudes and behaviors reverting back to their original beliefs. Although anyone can be brainwashed, cults typically choose converts who are going through "a time of need.". Cults usually recruit potential converts who are in a distress or feeling alienated from family and friends. Then the cults use intense displays of affection called "love bombing" as well as rituals and isolation from their families. Initially, the cult requires the recruit to make small commitments, such as staying over the weekend, with larger commitments required later, such as signing over one's bank account. Making such major public commitments creates a powerful cognitive dissonance effect. Before long, it becomes virtually impossible for converts to admit they have made a mistake. Conversion is complete when recruits are completely cut off from family and friends (reference group) and come to think of themselves more as group members than as individuals. At this point obedience is nearly total.