New Directions in Applying Psychological Theory to the Study of New Religions

The research of Richardson and his colleagues is affirmed. The overwhelming conclusion of investigations has demonstrated that members of new religions are not, as a group, psychopathological. There is little evidence that entrance into these groups has been due to coercive persuasion. However, future studies should use more sensitive measures to assess attitude and behavior change. The relative weight of selection versus socialization in joining also needs further investigation. New religious groups provide ideal settings for the study of such topics as personality, gender roles, adult socialization, behavior change, self-concept, and beliefs systems.