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Бондарев Н. В. Социально-психологические и клинические особенности лиц, вовлечённых в нетрадиционные религиозные культы // Психиатрия и религия на стыке тысячелетий:

 Сборник научных работ Харьковской областной клинической психиатрической больницы № 3 (Сабуровой дачи) и Харьковской медицинской академии последипломного образования / Под общ. ред. П. Т. Петрюка, Р. Б. Брагина. — Харьков, 2006. — Т. 4. — С. 22–24.The problem of non-conventional religious cults gave rise to a number of researches – both in Russia and abroad. Some authors prove that these cults make dubious impact on their adepts’ health (M. Galanter, 1990; M. Frank, 1992; A. Barker, 1997). Some other editions doubt that mental disorders might be caused by the cultic practices (Д. Г. Трунов, 2000; D. G. Bromley, A. D. Shupe, 1979; J. G. Melton, R. L. Moore, 1982).

More works claim that destructive cults have a very negative influence on their adepts, as they harm their mental health and adaptability (Ф. В. Кондратьев, 1995, 2000; Ю. И. Полищук, 1997, 2001; Л. В. Куликов, 1999; M. Singer, J. Lalich, 1997; S. Hassan, 2000).

The resolutions of the Council of Europe and the Parliament of Europe had repeatedly expressed their anxiety because of some sects’ violating human rights. This is why the Parliament of Europe “calls upon…reinforcing the information exchange in order to get the ample information about the phenomenon of sectarianism”, and recommends “creating centers for the help to the victims of the destructive cults and their families in every member country” (DPA Agency, Strasburg, the 22^nd of June

1999).“The Concept of the State Security of Russian Federation”, ratified by the presidential decree stresses that “it is necessary to consider the destructive impact of various religious sects, which are obviously harmful for the spiritual life of the Russian society and which are a true hazard for lives and health of the citizens of Russian Federation…”Considering the fact, that the problem of sectarianism is acknowledged both on the state and on the international levels, it seems that gaining the information about the behavioral and mental disorders and premises for their appearance in the destructive cults’ adepts.We have interviewed 64 persons, who had taken part in the non-conventional religious cults’ activity. The sampling group was formed of the hospital patients, who were getting their treatment in the city psychiatric hospitals of Saint – Petersburg and of those, who had applied the city advisory center for the psychological help.

The research included clinic-psychopathological method, studying the samples of cultic organizations’ literature and a number of psychological tests, like Sondy and Lusher tests, SMIL (?), and the method of unfinished sentences.The research showed that 82% of the patients had no family at the moment when they were involved into the cult. Ranging the patients according to their age showed that most of them were involved into cult when they were from 20 to 40 years old (69%). When they joined some cultic group they experienced a period of social instability, for instance, they had just moved to another city; had lost their job; or had had a divorce.

The results of the tests showed that rigidity and impetuosity prevailed in their personality profile; the patients tended to be individualistic. Their test results also showed the high tension, anxiety, and feeling of guilt. These people used to escape to the world of their fantasies and dreams, and they were very devoted to the ideas, they believe in. The main feature of their emotional profile was the selectivity concerning their attitude towards their future and goals of life. The reasons, which made them appeal for psychiatric and psychological health, included both psychopathological and behavioral disorders, caused by the cultic practices.Thus the reasons which lead to the person’s involving into different non-conventional religious cults may include social instability, stressful situations and the lack of experience in the sphere of religion.

The personal profile of adepts shows the increase of the level of anxiety; they combine rigidity and impetuosity and tend to feel loneliness.The results of the research may be used while choosing the methods of psychiatric and psychological help to people, who had taken part in some non-conventional religious practices.

N. V. Bondarev

Saint – Petersburg, Russia

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