Dr.
Singer’s model of thought reform developed from her work on the tactics
used by cults and cult leaders. The model is based upon the
following six stages:
1.
Isolation
2.
Creation of a
Siege Mentality
3.
Dependency
4.
Powerlessness
5.
Fear and Vulnerability
6.
Victim is Kept Unaware
The
specific tactics are:
1.
Keep the person unaware of
what is going on and the changes taking place.
2.
Control the person’s time
and, if possible, physical environment.
3.
Create a sense of
powerlessness, covert fear, and dependency.
4.
Suppress much of the
person’s old behavior and attitudes.
5.
Instill new behavior and
attitudes.
6.
Put forth a closed system of
logic; allow no real input or criticism.
Other
methods of assessing undue influence:
