- Mind Control Goes Deep - Wikimedia Commons
Mind control or brainwashing is defined in the tenth edition of Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary as: “a forcible indoctrination to induce someone to give up basic political, social or religious beliefs and attitudes and to accept contrasting regimented ideas.” It's also defined as a person being persuaded by propaganda or salesmanship.
University of Washington psychology professors John Gottman and Neil Jacobson, conducted an eight year study that concluded in 1998. Their findings were published in their book, When Men Batter Women, New Insights into Ending Abusive Relationships. They found that emotional abuse is more oppressive when the abuse is frequent. In their book they commented, “What men are doing with emotional abuse is almost like mind control.” Other professionals believe that mind control or brainwashing is a form of emotional abuse. Anne Woudstra, a social worker, says that when a person is exposed to frequent, long-term mind control, it is emotional abuse.
What is Mind Control?
Mind control uses subliminal techniques to control a person's actions, opinions or state of mind. Techniques may include: the use of words or language in a repetitive manner, visual stimuli, or the intentional use, misuse or deprivation of basic human needs including sleep, food or money. Usually these methods are used in such a way that the victim is unaware that mind manipulation is happening. A spouse or partner can eventually be manipulated into believing and doing whatever their partner desires.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, is evidence that mind control is an orchestrated process of exploitative psychological manipulation. The DSM is a manual that is published by the American Psychiatric Association that includes all currently recognized mental health disorders.
A person who suffers long-term repeated emotional abuse eventually succumbs to incredible psychological damage. An individual may end up living their life in fear, having altered thoughts, feelings and behaviours so that it appeases the partner or spouse.
Cults
Cults are the extreme in mind control and have been a part of history for centuries and continues to be part of many societies worldwide. Dr. Margaret Singer, author of Cults in Our Midst, says in her book that an estimated 5,000 economic, political and religious groups operate in the United States at any given time that have about 2.5 million members. Over the past few decades, cults have used tactics of coercive mind control to negatively impact millions of people.
Dr. Paul Martin, cult expert and director of Wellspring Retreat & Resource Center in Ohio, states on his website that the cult problem is so prevalent that he feels the chances of a family member joining a cult are greater than a family member catching chicken pox.
Signs of Mind Control
There are some warning signs that can indicate if a partner or spouse is trying to control their loved one such as:
- Controlling the environment. Family members and friends are slowly being cut off to the victim until there is no communication.
- Breaking down of self. The self-esteem levels are diminished to the point in which the victim feels they are always wrong and the partner is right.
- A new sense of identity. The victim behaves and thinks totally different from when they first met their partner.
- Isolation. There is little or no contact with the outside world. The victim is not allowed to go anywhere without permission and even if granted permission, there is a curfew.
Mind manipulation, thought control, brainwashing or mind control, no matter what it's called, it is the most severe form of emotional abuse anyone can survive. Regardless of it happening in the confines of an intimate relationship or in a group setting (cult), the damage is severe and the victim needs intense support and help.
Further Reading:
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
