As humans, we are naturally drawn to groups because of our innate need for connection, belonging, and shared purpose. Healthy groups foster growth and support, but toxic cultures that allow mental abusive behaviours by leadership or between members can happen in any group of people.
In any group, organization, or team setting with a hierarchy of power - whether religious, professional, social, or recreational - there's the potential for risk of psychological abuse by members or leaders, using power (or the group's collective purpose), to manipulate the behaviours of other members.
Psychological abuse: Non-Religious High-Control Groups
High-control groups are organizations or communities that exert a degree of authority over their members' lives (often excessive). These groups manipulate behavior, emotions, and thoughts to maintain power, in one way or another. Often (but not always), by using fear; guilt; positive or negative reinforcement for desired behaviour; or even isolation.
While religion is a common foundation for high-control groups, many secular organizations also employ similar tactics to manipulate and exploit members. It can occur in workplaces, friend circles, sports teams, or even families. Here are more examples:
Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Schemes: Companies like these promise financial independence but often operate with cult-like strategies. Members are encouraged to cut ties with skeptics, attend emotionally charged events, and invest heavily despite mounting financial losses.
Political Extremist Groups: Extremist movements often isolate members with “us vs. them” rhetoric, emphasizing the group’s moral superiority and portraying outsiders as enemies. Members are often pressured to abandon individual thinking and follow the group’s ideology.
Tightly-Knit Social Groups: Fraternities, fellowships, secret societies, or even online communities can foster an unhealthy dependence. Peer pressure and a desire for belonging may lead members to endure prioritizing the needs of the group over personal needs, hazing, isolation from non-members, or toxic dynamics.
Self-Help and “Wellness” Movements: Some self-help organizations or life-coaching programs demand total allegiance; have rules for behaviour structured around the group purpose; or isolating members who question the leader’s expertise. Promises of transformation or optimal wellness are used to justify manipulative or abusive practices.
If you feel like your individuality is being erased, your choices are not your own, or you're living in constant fear of punishment or rejection, it may be time to critically evaluate the group’s influence on your life.
Breaking free can be challenging, but recovery is possible with education, support, and professional guidance. Recognizing the group’s tactics is the first step toward reclaiming your freedom and identity.
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