In addition to the pull of charismatic leaders, the social support of fellow cult members, and the isolation of cult members from dissenting viewpoints, why else do cult members behave as they do?
A) They are people of low intelligence.
B) The leaders are authoritarian and the followers are unintelligent.
C) The members usually are suicidal and depressed.
D) There is a high degree of cognitive dissonance in members' minds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance refers to the discomfort that arises when a person holds two or more inconsistent beliefs or values. In the context of cults, members may experience cognitive dissonance when their beliefs or actions contradict their prior beliefs or values. They may resolve this dissonance by convincing themselves that their leader or the group's ideology is correct, which can lead to extreme behavior and a reluctance to leave the group.

In Addition to the Pull of Charismatic Leaders, the Social