NCJ Number
70549
Journal
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Volume: 347 Dated: (June 20, 1980) Pages: 266-276
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the issues of transference and transitional objects as they apply to the relations between authority figures and subjects in familylike groups led by charismatic leaders.
Abstract
Research has found that converts to cults and other familylike groups had experienced significant emotional distress before entering the cult, and usually experienced considerable relief from this distress once involved in it. In addition, they display a strong need for an accepting authority figure to calm emotional turmoil rooted in childhood. The concept of the authority transference describes subjects who ally themselves with another who seem to be made up of all the qualities they feel they are missing. It is an attempt to reduce ambiguity and achieve clarity and boundedness, to gain control over the world and one's fate. Transference to leaders also enables members to overcome a fear of life with the belief that through such an alliance immortality will be gained. The traditional psychoanalytic view of transference as simply an unreal projection is thus rejected. This particular form of transference is a distortion of reality due to fears (of loss of control, of life, and of death) and to the heroic attempt to assure self-expansion (an 'urge to higher heroism'). There are indications that the concept of the transitional object, the young child's first 'not-me' possession (i.e., soft toys and security blankets), can be broadened to cover a variety of human behaviors other than those of the early developmental stages. The charismatic leader is thus invested with properties from the members' subjective needs and experiences, as well as retaining part of his external identity. The leader, often unconflicted about sexuality, hostility, and aggression (unlike most cult members), can initiate an antisocial act, thus changing its meaning and freeing others to act because the risk and the responsibility have already been taken. Thus it would appear, at least in violent cults, that the leader not only helps members to control their hostility, but also helps them to express it. Cult leaders display symptoms of a narcissistic personality, presenting excessive selfabsorption, usually coinciding with a superficially smooth and effective social adaption. Yet the leaders have serious deficiencies in their capacity to love and empathize with others which results in exploitation and ruthlessness. In addition, technology-wise cult leaders manipulate neurophysiological factors, thereby altering the members' levels of consciousness, making them far more susceptible to the leader's wishes and influences. Twenty-eight references are appended.