1. What extent can psychological manipulation and coercive persuasion tactics used in cults
be considered as a form of psychological abuse? Discuss the ethical implications and
potential legal remedies.
Cults employ various psychological manipulation techniques or approaches in order to
have control over people, and in turn, results in psychological abuse. In the context of cults,
psychological manipulation encapsulates the process of imposing psychological relief, abusing
occurring events as an opportunity to display empathy, and problematic persuasion. The
peripheral strategy is also frequently used in the most evil persuasion campaigns, like those of
dictators and cult leaders (Levine, n.d.). Psychological abuse manifests from psychological
manipulation and or coercive persuasion through the immense effect of control, dependency, and
submissive behaviors toward the cult leaders or the group itself. For instance, in the case of the
current issue, the religious cult in Surigao del Norte, Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated
(SBSI), which is led by Jay Rence Quilario, also known as ‘Senior Agila.’ According to the news
report, due to the 5.9 magnitude earthquake in 2019, some of the victims moved to Sitio Kapihan
(Ismael and Tamayo, 2023). Therefrom, it was used as a psychological tactic, whereas it became
the people’s saving glory. The aforementioned cult leader is also hailed and worshipped as a
divine figure, even considered as a reincarnation of Sto. Nino and Jesus Christ which displays a
high association with the religious behavior of the members of the cult. Quilario is seen as a
trustworthy cult leader who provides a sense of companionship, empathy, and psychological
relief. As adults, it is natural to transfer this respect to society's designated authorities, such as
judges, doctors, bosses, and religious leaders. We have also been taught to believe that respect
for authority is a moral virtue (Levine, n.d.). The members are also forced to be isolated from
their families. Psychological abuse manifested from narcissistic seduction (Fournier and Monroy,
1999) wherein the aforesaid characteristics of SBSI are aligned with the elements of the said
theory, namely, a.) vulnerability of the subject; b.) the use of emotions; c.) detachment from
outside influence; d.) progress of doctrinal teaching and; e.) assignment of responsibilities
(Rousselet et al., 2017). These psychological abuses transcended amongst the members of the
cult who suffered from forced illegal marriage, rape, isolation, forced and unpaid labor, and even
death, which are ethically, morally, and lawfully wrong.
In the study of Rousselet et al. (2017), legal and social apprehension such as psychosocial
interrogation, social-limit presence of existing cults, social intervention planning, especially in
secluded and marginalized areas, social and therapeutic follow-ups for ex-cult members, and
government interventions on providing strict acts against such cases and regulatory (civil
lawsuits and criminal charges).
2. Examine the role of cognitive dissonance in the context of cult membership. How does it
contribute to the persistence of beliefs and behaviors among cult members, even in the face
of contradictory evidence?
Cognitive dissonance theory posits that individuals experience psychological discomfort
when they hold conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors (MSed, 2022). As they continuously
feel the psychological discomfort, they become eager to find ways or engage in actions that will
ease their psychological discomfort despite the factual information or evidence, such as avoiding
or rejecting the evidence or beliefs that contradict their stand, justifying own beliefs, or
bolstering of emotions to support existing beliefs. The aforementioned was evident in how the
members of SBSI demanded and cried for justice for Quilario.
In relation, the result actions of cognitive dissonance become the contributor to the persistence of
beliefs and behaviors among cult members (Thompson et al., 2012). These are manifested in:
A. Stronger cult support and commitment - Reinforcement of strengthened commitment;
emotional, moral, and social support towards the group. For instance, a clever persuasion
artist, Quilario be an exemplar, might induce someone to agree to a difficult-to-refuse
small request and follow this with progressively larger requests that were his target from
the beginning. The process is known as getting a foot in the door and then slowly
escalating the commitments. Once we have made an initial commitment, it is more likely
that we will agree to subsequent commitments that follow from the first (Levine,
n.d.).Moreover, validation from the group relieves and minimizes the dissonance.
B. Isolation - Cult leaders reinforce stricter barriers to seclude their members. This is to
reduce the chance or opportunity for the members to be exposed to reality or
contradictory evidence.
C. Rationalization - Connected with the first point, cult members cognitively support the
group by providing justification and commitment to their beliefs and values while
convincing everyone, including themselves, that every contradictory evidence and belief
is wrong.
References:
Ismael, J. J., & Tamayo, B. E. (2023, September 19). Probe on “cult” in Surigao sought.
The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/20/regions/probe-on-cult-insurigao-sought/1910806
Levine, R. V. (n.d.). Persuasion: So easily fooled. Noba. http://noba.to/y73u6ta8
MSEd,
K.
C.
(2022).
What
is
cognitive
dissonance?
Verywell
Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-dissonance-2795012
Rousselet, M., Duretete, O., Hardouin, J., & Grall‐Bronnec, M. (2017). Cult membership:
What factors contribute to joining or leaving? Psychiatry Research, 257, 27–33.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.018
Sitchon, J. (2023b, October 2). Who is Surigao del Norte ‘cult’ leader Jay Rence Quilario?
RAPPLER.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/things-to-know-jey-rence-quilario-socorro-
bayanihan-services-head-surigao-del-norte/
Thompson, J. K., Schaefer, L. M., & Menzel, J. E. (2012). Internalization of Thin-Ideal
and Muscular-Ideal. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 499–504). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12384925-0.00079-1