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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
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J MARAIS 62138014 RST2603ASSIGNMENT 7 – 30 AUGUST 2019
In this essay I will be discussing whether membership of an NRM can cause mental illness or distress.
Using data, I have obtained elsewhere from a variety of sources.
Finding data about mental health and distress due to NRM, can be a very challenging feat, as most
members whom are in a NRM, often don’t discuss the group that they are apart of due to fear, or
belief or even because they have been forbidden to discuss the NRM with others not in the group.
Meaning that mental heath can be swept under the rug as not to damage the public perception of
the group.
There are several sources that prove that the membership or involvement in an NRM can cause
mental illness and distress. In an article by Kjell Totland Psykologtjenester “ New Religious
Movements and Mental Health” in 2011( http://www.kjelltotland.com/419207788).
Psykologtjenester mentioned that a number of NRM members and or ex-members have proved that
it is linked to mental illness and distress. The DSM-111-R (1987) mental disorders are discussed in
relation to indoctrination of religious sects as an example of non-specified dissociative disturbance
(Otttoson 1993; 1997). Swartling 1991 interviewed 43 former members of an NRM in Sweden and
found that anxiety, guilt and emotional disturbance was prevalent, half of the group interviewed had
symptoms of mental illness, and almost every fourth member had attempted suicide after leaving the
NRM. Fosheim and Aarnes (1997) interviewed members of sects and cults and found that almost all
members suffered/ing with depression, grief, insomnia, and difficulty concentration. Hassan (2000)
refers to a study by Yeakly, Norton, Vinzant & Done (1988), where he states that the study proved
that some NRM can have an influence on their members mental health. (Psykologtjenester, 2011)
Ex-members of NRM, commonly say that they have experienced mental distress or illness during or
after leaving the NRM. Many times these statements are not taken into account as it’s been said that
the ex-members make their experience seem “more negative than it really was. This may, of course,
be a point well taken, but that doesn’t mean that all negative and critical comments from ex-
members are irrelevant.” (http://www.kjelltotland.com/419207788) (Psykologtjenester, 2011)
Sources used:
Kjell Totland Psykologtjenester, New Religious Movements and Mental Health
,http://www.kjelltotland.com/419207788, 2011
[374 words]
I JAYDENE MARAIS declare that this is my own, original work and that where I used other information and resources, I
did so in a responsible manner. I did not plagiarise in any way and have referenced and acknowledged any resources that I
consulted and used to complete this portfolio according to the requirements of the Harvard style of referencing. I acknowledge
that I am aware of what plagiarism is, and the consequences thereof. Furthermore, I acknowledge that I am aware of UNISA’s
policy on plagiarism and understand that if there is evidence of plagiarism within this document, UNISA will take action.
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