Psychology Today | 18.04.2026 07:03
When most people reflect on life’s threats, becoming engulfed in a high-control organization is rarely our first thought. Research suggests that around 1 percent of individuals worldwide become involved in groups of psychological abuse (Castaño et al., 2022), also known as cults. Still, the figure is likely a huge underestimate, due to the secrecy, hazards, and stigma associated with disclosure. Beyond this extreme, a significant number of people become involved in coercive relationships, whether with an institution or an abusive individual.
