One such person is Robert J. Lifton, who studied the effects of American soldiers subjected to indoctrination techniques, by the Chinese, during the Korean War. He defined mind control by eight criteria which are listed below with explanations added for your benefit. Isolation from other people, psychological pressure, geographical distance or unavailability of transportation, and sometimes physical pressure which make it extremely difficult, both physically and psychologically, for one to leave. Typically, limited sleep, fasting or chanting are used. The group demands a radical separation of pure and impure, of good and evil within an environment and within oneself.
Purification is a continuing and institutionalized process within the group.
Because absolute purity is unattainable, this creates a source of guilt and shame because all are found wanting. Destructive groups use a process where one confesses their sins accompanied by patterns of criticism and self criticism. A cult's black and white explanation of the world. This offers security because it greatly simplifies their view of how the world works. Cult member fits their experiences into the framework of the dogma.