Social Work Treatment with Children, Adolescents, and Families Exposed to Religious and Satanic Cults

Abstract

This article presents a brief description of cults; their impact upon children, adolescents and families; indications of how social work treatment can be helpful to this population; results of a research study that addressed these issues; suggestions for teaching curriculum; and conclusion of the research study.

Cult conversion from the perspective of families: Implications for prevention and psychological intervention.

“…As the available research makes clear, helping a loved one exit a cult requires professional advice (Langone, 1990). Unfortunately, mental health professionals and clinical psychologist are not always properly equipped to counsel, educate, and treat cultist and their families (Addis et al, 1984; Clifford, 1995; Coates, 2011; Jenkinson, 2013; Langone, 1990, 1996; Lottick, 2005; Matthews, 2014, 2017; Schwartz & Kaslow, 1979; Singer, 1986; Schwartz, 1983; Ward, 2002). In fact, Lottick (2005) estimates that more than a third of psychologists will, at some point in their career, work with former cult members in a clinical setting without being aware of it.…”

The Meaning and Engagement of Spirituality for Positive Youth Development in Social Work

“…In the context of child welfare and family services, social work theory and practice have emphasized troubled youths and the services they require. This is reflected in child welfare studies of the 1980s and early 1990s that focused on issues of religiously based child abuse and neglect and its existential aspects (see Brown, 1980;Clifford, 1994). Positive youth development has been emphasized less than treatment and therapeutic interventions.…”