Date

8-29-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Mollie Boyd

Keywords

cults, identity, shame, stages of development, survivors, manipulation

Disciplines

Education

Abstract

This study investigated the manifestations of shame in cult survivors using Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development as its framework. According to Erikson (1959), individuals evolve through eight stages of development, each stage being met with a unique social and psychological crisis. If that psychosocial crisis is met and overcome, the individual advances to the next stage of development with additional psychosocial resilience. Erikson’s theory focuses on the importance of achieving these developmental tasks throughout the eight stages in order to build personal identity and resilience. Cults are known for exerting excessive control over individuals by employing techniques and strategies that abuse weaknesses and deteriorate personal identity. Additionally, the indoctrination process of cults often intensifies the pitting of the psycho (individual) needs with the socio (group) needs of the group. This research investigates the complex emotion of shame in survivors that can stem from abuse, manipulation, and the indoctrination process. This study examines all of Erikson’s stages while also specifically highlighting where shame is most prevalent in survivors, namely, Autonomy vs. Shame and doubts and Identity versus Role Confusion. In all of Erikson’s development stages, shame can manifest in cult survivors through feelings of self-blame, guilt, inadequacy, and diminished self-worth. By analyzing the psychological impact of shame following cult involvement, this study contributes to a greater understanding of the harmful complex effects and challenges individuals face once leaving a cult.

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Available for download on Saturday, August 29, 2026

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