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:
