Master of Liberal Studies, University of Toledo, 2023, Liberal Studies

Historically, destructive cult groups have recruited members in-person, lived in communal spaces, and had strong in-person bonds. Developed in response to these groups is the BITE Model of undue influence, which models ways in which a group can be classified as a destructive cult. However, online-facilitated destructive groups have emerged since the beginning of the internet, and while the BITE model is the best method to determine if a group is a cult, the ways these groups operate in terms of recruitment, indoctrination, and mind control look different than historical cults. This paper explores the historical groups, the BITE model, the internet, policy and regulation, online-facilitated groups, along with suggestions for further research, and a cautionary word to those who hope to further the research of online-facilitated destructive cults.

Committee: Jerry Van Hoy (Committee Chair); Jeanine Diller (Committee Member); Sunday Griffith (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Cognitive Psychology; History; Mass Media; Religion; Social Research; Spirituality; Technology

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Ohio University, 2020, Film

An exploration into the representation of sex and sexuality in film. Included is a feature-length screenplay involving a sexually repressive cult in which the protagonist must navigate his sexuality into adulthood, as well as a complimentary analysis examining my influences, research and process.

Committee: Lindsey Martin (Advisor) Subjects: Film Studies; Fine Arts

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2009, Counselor Education (Education)

Cults are widespread throughout the world and many have been shown to have negative effects on individuals who have been members of these types of groups. There is a lack of research completed addressing career development and employment in the recovery of cult survivors. Because of the limited amount of research concerning the impact of cult membership on career development, other populations who have experienced similar types of coercive relationships were examined including those involved in intimate partner abuse. The literature review indicated that victims of cult membership and survivors of domestic violence might experience some of the same issues that negatively impact their career development and employment. This study examined the following research question: Are the career development and employment of former cult members impacted by the length of time they participated in a cult, their level of education, their perceived need for vocational rehabilitation services and their mental health symptoms? A non-random sample of 56 former cult members who underwent treatment at the Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center participated in the study. Data for this study were received from two sources: the Work and Cult Recovery Index, a non-standardized instrument developed for this study, and scores from the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) that were retrieved from the existing database at Wellspring. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the predictors. The results indicated a rejection of the null hypothesis indicating that as a set, the 4 independent variables were significantly related to the perceived impact that cult membership had on career development and employment. The perceived need for vocational rehabilitation services and the length of time spent in the cult demonstrated a significant relationship with the perceived impact of cult participation on career development and employment. These two variables were both negatively correlated (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Jerry A. Olsheski PhD (Committee Chair) Subjects: Mental Health; Psychology; Rehabilitation; Social Work