Behavior Control

Behavior control is described as the regulation of one's physical and mental reality. A new recruit is coerced repeatedly to squelch his/her critical-thinking skills and gut instincts in return for group approval and inclusion. Exerting such a control over people allows high-pressure groups to determine most or all of the following:

• How much financial dependence recruits are to have on the group, what percentage of recruits' income is collected for the group's purposes.
• Where, how, and with whom recruits live and associate.
• How much time is spent on leisure activities such as relaxing, sleeping, leisure activities, and vacationing.

Once behavior control is put into effect, recruits respond and react accordingly. The recruits:

• Unwittingly commit themselves to the required indoctrination sessions and group rituals.
• Relinquish many personal decision-making processes and go to the group to determine minor and/or major life decisions.
• Steer clear of individualism and independent thought as group-thought prevails.
• Adhere to often unforeseen rigid rules and regulations.
• Develop a need for obedience to and dependency on the group