Asked by Amanda Schneck on Apr 24, 2024

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When a sample of Americans was asked,"Why do you think people become involved in cults?" the most frequently mentioned causes were "need for leadership or father figure," "unhappiness,feeling of hopelessness," "gullibility," "need to have a sense of belonging," and "mental illness." Please give your own answer to this question,and offer an interpretation of the responses given by the individuals sampled in this survey.

Sense Of Belonging

A person's feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected to a group, community, or society.

Cults

Groups often characterized by a shared religious, philosophical, or spiritual belief system, typically led by a charismatic leader and not conforming to societal norms.

  • Understand the elements contributing to people achieving authoritative roles.
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Shannon CopelandMay 02, 2024
Final Answer :
I believe people become involved in cults for a variety of reasons, including a desire for belonging and community, a need for guidance and leadership, vulnerability to manipulation, and a search for meaning and purpose. The responses given by the individuals sampled in the survey reflect these common motivations. The need for a father figure or leadership suggests a longing for guidance and authority, while feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness point to a search for fulfillment and meaning. Gullibility and mental illness may make individuals more susceptible to manipulation and influence from cult leaders. Overall, the responses highlight the complex and multifaceted reasons why people may become involved in cults, and the importance of addressing these underlying needs and vulnerabilities in order to prevent cult involvement.