Coercive Control Articles
Religious Cults, Mind Control & Authoritarianism
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How Loyalty to a Narcissistic God Damages Mental Health
It’s common knowledge that narcissists can take a real toll on the mental health of those they’re close to, but have you considered that perhaps the god you once served was a narcissist?
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Understanding Religious Cult Programming + How to Recover
This article provides a detailed overview of how religious cults use programming techniques to control their members, and it also breaks down some effective strategies for deprogramming and recovery.
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7 Subtle Signs of Spiritual Abuse
When I first began to deconstruct my faith, I struggled to make sense of my experiences. I struggled because nothing in my religious past seemed to fit the conventional idea of trauma or abuse. I hadn’t been physically or verbally…
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Spiritual Bypassing: What It Is + How to Address It
Spiritual bypassing shows up both inside and outside of religious spaces. While it can be very triggering, it’s something that can be tricky to address in both ourselves and others. This article explores how to do both.
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Religious Narcissism Explained + Strategies to Deal With It
Religious narcissism can be hard to identify because it often looks like “leadership” or “holiness.” This post breaks down what narcissism is, how high-control religions can reward these dynamics, and what overt and covert religious narcissism can look like in real life. You’ll also get a few practical strategies for protecting yourself.
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Why (and How) Religious Cults Manipulate Emotions
Religious cults manipulate emotions through fear, guilt, and shame. Learn common tactics, signs after leaving, and how these dynamics can contribute to religious trauma.
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Understanding the Role of Phobia Indoctrination in Religious Cults
This article explores phobia indoctrination used by cults and high-control religions to manipulate followers. It explains the tactics employed to instill fear, control beliefs, and maintain power. Additionally, it offers insights on recognizing these tactics and steps toward recovery from their effects.
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What is a High-Control Religion?
If you’re questioning whether your religious environment was harmful, this article provides a framework for assessment. Using Steven Hassan’s BITE Model, explore the three defining characteristics of high-control religions, understand where your experience falls on the continuum, and learn how these groups differ from healthier spiritual alternatives.
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How High-Control Religions Make Women Vulnerable to Abuse
High-control religions create a system of conditioning that can leave women more vulnerable to intimate partner abuse. By normalizing submission, limiting critical thinking, enforcing rigid gender hierarchies, and using shame to trap women in marriages, they foster traits abusive partners exploit.
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How Religious Indoctrination Fuels Conspiracy Theories
People leaving high-control religion are often told what to believe, what to fear, and who can be trusted. That conditioning can make conspiracy theories feel familiar, especially when they offer certainty and a clear enemy. This post breaks down the authority dynamics, cognitive distortions, and emotional hooks that keep conspiratorial thinking in place.
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Religious Triggers Explained: The Role of Attachment Bonds & Cult Programming
Why do religious triggers stick around even after you’ve deconstructed your faith? This article explores two key forces—attachment bonds and cult programming—in understanding how you’ve developed predictable automatic responses in your nervous system, and what this means for your healing journey.