Ex-members in support groups show reduced neuroticism

There is another interesting summary of an academic study.

Sociotropy is a personality trait associated with high levels of dependence and excessive need to please others. Individuals with sociotropy tend to be overly nurturant towards people whom they do not have close relationships with, but predisposed to be hostile towards any one who becomes too close.

Neuroticism is a fundamental personality trait in psychology defined as a tendency to experience negative emotional states. Individuals who score high on neuroticism are more likely than the average to experience such feelings as anxiety, anger, guilt and clinical depression.

The personality of ex-cult members - Yvonne Walsh, Robin J. H. Russell, and Pamela A. Wells

Psychology Department, City University, London
Psychology Department, Goldsmiths' College, England

Abstract

A sample of 75 ex-members of cults or new religious movements completed two personality inventories: the short form of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the Beck Sociotropy-Autonomy Scale. Compared to the norms, the sample exhibited elevated scores on neuroticism, sociotropy and autonomy. The elevated neuroticism scores increasingly approached the norm as a function of time out of the cult.

Ex-members in contact with support groups showed reduced levels of neuroticism and sociotropy in comparison with those who were not.

While it is not possible to draw firm conclusions from a study of this design, the results are consistent with the view that people with high autonomy scores are likely to leave or be ejected from cults or new religious movements and that doing so may cause psychological difficulties which are ameliorated by time and attendance at a support group.

Guess it depends on which cult you go for. The cult of support groups is also a cult of sorts. Many who have exited a cult can help others to do the same. Its not a question of being blind about God. Its much more about being unaware of ones own capabilities. Stress is a major factor in exits, deep relaxation is almost a panacea for exits of this kind. To have things work for you instead of against helps very much too. Creative thinking may be the real exit strategy, for this one needs to experiment and develop great flexibility.

If one is going to experience reduced neurotisism then learn to not create it and / or create something more empowering, the same goes for anger anxiety guilt and doubt. Its best not to touch these with a bargepole. You decide what to do and do it, if anything obstructs you learn to remove it. The cult I subscribe to is self reliance, self management and creativity - along with a little help from my true friends. Utter positivity is faith, this also one creates oneself. Whatever you need you can make. If yu experience a little change in consciousness along the way know that it is working.