Pathological Spirituality

doi:10.1017/9781911623311.021

Chapter 17 - Pathological Spirituality

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 October 2022

Nicola Crowley and

Gillie Jenkinson

Edited by

Christopher C. H. Cook and

Andrew Powell

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Christopher C. H. Cook: Affiliation:
Institute for Medical Humanities, Durham University
Andrew Powell: Affiliation:
Formerly Warneford Hospital and University of Oxford

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Summary

This chapter describes the psychopathological consequences of harmful spiritual beliefs, practices and experiences. It explores the concepts of spiritual defences, offensive spirituality, false spiritual teachers or gurus, and attempts to define the characteristics of cultic groups and compare how they differ from healthy groups. Terms such as ‘conversion’, ‘brainwashing’, ‘thought reform’, ‘coercive persuasion’ and ‘mind control’ are discussed. The complex psychopathology experienced by people who have been harmed by cult-like organisations and the related abuse is examined, and specific diagnostic issues are considered. Current evidence-based recovery-orientated psychotherapeutic interventions are also described. Treatment may best be understood in four phases: separation from the cult, psychoeducation and story-telling, emotional healing, and – finally – a resumption of an authentic identity and new life. The themes of the chapter are explored in a series of case studies.

Keywords

brainwashing coercion cult gurus narcissist pathological spirituality thought reform

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Type: Chapter
Information: Spirituality and Psychiatry , pp. 332 - 354

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781911623311.021 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2022

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