Categories
Home/Psychology/A combination of group influence and conformity can produce behaviors that seem “crazy” or “insane” to an outside observer (e.g., cult membership, violent radicalization). However, this is not an example of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety). Rather, these extreme outcomes are the result of very ordinary social psychological processes. Explain some of the social psychological mechanisms that result in examples like this (e.g., joining a cult, participating in violent coups).

A combination of group influence and conformity can produce behaviors that seem “crazy” or “insane” to an outside observer (e.g., cult membership, violent radicalization). However, this is not an example of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety). Rather, these extreme outcomes are the result of very ordinary social psychological processes. Explain some of the social psychological mechanisms that result in examples like this (e.g., joining a cult, participating in violent coups).

A decision to join and stay in a cult or participate in violent radical organization may appear an insane decision to outside observers. However, these are not examples of mental illness, because they are motivated by ordinary psychological processes.

All groups, be those religious, political, or otherwise, offer a sense of belonging to a member. If there are friends and family involved, individuals are less likely to leave the group, no matter how toxic it may be. An example of a cult utilizing these tactics would include the Charles Manson cult from the 1960s. It exploited the “family” aspect of social attachment to keep a hold of its members.

Many radical political groups, such as the Taliban, entice members into joining by offering a chance of revenge against perceived slights, and promising members a prominent place in their new world order. It applies the social-psychological mechanisms of hierarchy and reward.

Rate the answer:
Views: 5
Further research on topic
Answer by Academic.tip's expert
An answer to this question is provided by one of our experts who specializes in psychology. Let us know how much you liked it and give it a rating.

Cite this page

Select a citation style:

References

Academic.Tips. (2023) 'A combination of group influence and conformity can produce behaviors that seem "crazy" or "insane" to an outside observer (e.g., cult membership, violent radicalization). However, this is not an example of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety). Rather, these extreme outcomes are the result of very ordinary social psychological processes. Explain some of the social psychological mechanisms that result in examples like this (e.g., joining a cult, participating in violent coups)'. 15 May.

Reference

Academic.Tips. (2023, May 15). A combination of group influence and conformity can produce behaviors that seem "crazy" or "insane" to an outside observer (e.g., cult membership, violent radicalization). However, this is not an example of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety). Rather, these extreme outcomes are the result of very ordinary social psychological processes. Explain some of the social psychological mechanisms that result in examples like this (e.g., joining a cult, participating in violent coups). https://academic.tips/question/a-combination-of-group-influence-and-conformity-can-produce-behaviors-that-seem-crazy-or-insane-to-an-outside-observer-e-g-cult-membership-violent-radicalization-however-this-is-not-an/

References

Academic.Tips. 2023. "A combination of group influence and conformity can produce behaviors that seem "crazy" or "insane" to an outside observer (e.g., cult membership, violent radicalization). However, this is not an example of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety). Rather, these extreme outcomes are the result of very ordinary social psychological processes. Explain some of the social psychological mechanisms that result in examples like this (e.g., joining a cult, participating in violent coups)." May 15, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/a-combination-of-group-influence-and-conformity-can-produce-behaviors-that-seem-crazy-or-insane-to-an-outside-observer-e-g-cult-membership-violent-radicalization-however-this-is-not-an/.

1. Academic.Tips. "A combination of group influence and conformity can produce behaviors that seem "crazy" or "insane" to an outside observer (e.g., cult membership, violent radicalization). However, this is not an example of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety). Rather, these extreme outcomes are the result of very ordinary social psychological processes. Explain some of the social psychological mechanisms that result in examples like this (e.g., joining a cult, participating in violent coups)." May 15, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/a-combination-of-group-influence-and-conformity-can-produce-behaviors-that-seem-crazy-or-insane-to-an-outside-observer-e-g-cult-membership-violent-radicalization-however-this-is-not-an/.


Bibliography


Academic.Tips. "A combination of group influence and conformity can produce behaviors that seem "crazy" or "insane" to an outside observer (e.g., cult membership, violent radicalization). However, this is not an example of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety). Rather, these extreme outcomes are the result of very ordinary social psychological processes. Explain some of the social psychological mechanisms that result in examples like this (e.g., joining a cult, participating in violent coups)." May 15, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/a-combination-of-group-influence-and-conformity-can-produce-behaviors-that-seem-crazy-or-insane-to-an-outside-observer-e-g-cult-membership-violent-radicalization-however-this-is-not-an/.

Work Cited

"A combination of group influence and conformity can produce behaviors that seem "crazy" or "insane" to an outside observer (e.g., cult membership, violent radicalization). However, this is not an example of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety). Rather, these extreme outcomes are the result of very ordinary social psychological processes. Explain some of the social psychological mechanisms that result in examples like this (e.g., joining a cult, participating in violent coups)." Academic.Tips, 15 May 2023, academic.tips/question/a-combination-of-group-influence-and-conformity-can-produce-behaviors-that-seem-crazy-or-insane-to-an-outside-observer-e-g-cult-membership-violent-radicalization-however-this-is-not-an/.

Copy
In what ways does the social science lens help articulate a deeper understanding of the social issues that inform depression?
Explain what groupthink is and when it is most likely to occur. What can a group do to recognize when groupthink may be setting in, and what can leaders do to reduce the odds that groupthink negatively impacts the group's performance? Provide a specific example as part of your response.
Check the price of your paper