Suggested Readings

Exit Counseling: A Family Intervention How To Respond to Cult-Affected
Loved Ones, by Carol Giambalvo.   Published by the American Family
Foundation, the leading professional organization devoted to cultic
studies, this important new book, with an introduction by Dr. Michael
Langone, provides practical information for families concerned about
a cult-involved relative. It describes the process of exit counseling,
a voluntary approach to helping cultists makes informed decisions
about their group affiliation. Exit counseling is the most effective
alternative to the controversial process of deprogramming, which involves
coercion.

Combatting Cult Mind Control, by Steven Hassan.  MUST reading for
anyone who has been touched by cult phenomena.  A former Moonie tells
his story.

Zillions: Consuper Reports for Kids, P.O. Box 54861, Boulder, CO 80322
Kids learn critical thinking by evaluating popular culture and
advertising aimed at them.

TM and Cult Mania, by M.A. Persinger, Ph.D.  An in-depth investigation
into the claims of TM, hypnosis and research.  [Available from TM-EX]

Trauma and Recovery, by Judith Lewis Herman, M.D. An in-depth exploration
into the commonalities of traumatic experience and the process of
healing. [See review, Summer 92]

Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, by  R.J. Lifton, M.D.
A classic textbook and case study on victims of thought reform and
the elements of thought reform programs. [See excerpt, Winter 92]

Heaven on Earth: Dispatches From America's Spiritual Frontier, by
Michael D'Antonio.  A Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter visits America's
spiritual communities including MIU, Fairfield, Iowa.  [See review,
Spring 92]

Cultic Studies Journal: Psychological Manipulation and Society. A
refereed semi-annual journal published by the American Family Foundation
(AFF), P.O. Box 2265, Bonita Springs, FL 33959. The CSJ seeks to advance
the understanding of cultic practices and their relation to society,
including broad social and cultural implications as well as effects
on individuals and families. [See ``The Use of TM to Promote Social
Progress in Israel, Vol. 3, No. 1, 1986]

Cult Awareness Network (CAN) News, 2421 West Pratt Blvd., Suite 1173,
Chicago, IL 60645, (312) 267-7777.   Founded to educate the public
about the harmful effects of mind control as used by destructive cults.
CAN confines its concerns to unethical or illegal practices, and passes
no judgment on doctrine or beliefs.

How We Know What Isn't So: The Fallibility of Human Reason in Everyday
Life, by Thomas Gilovich.  An investigation of how even highly educated
people become convinced of the validity of questionable or demonstrably
false beliefs about the world, and the unfortunate impact of these
beliefs.

Skeptical Inquirer, Box 229, Buffalo, NY 14215. Journal of the Committee
for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, which
attempts to encourage the critical investigation of paranormal and
fringe-science claims from a responsible, scientific point of view.
[See Winter 1983-84, ``An investigation of the effects of TM on the
Weather.'']

NCAHF Newsletter (National Council Against Health Fraud), P.O. Box
1276, Loma Linda, CA 92354. To aid in activism against health fraud,
misinformation and quackery.

Influence: The New Psychology of Modern Persuasion, by Robert B. Cialdini,
Ph.D.  A landmark publication in furthering our understanding of the
persuasion process.

Now Available From TM-EX
Reprints--including early TM studies, journal research and news articles.
Investigative reports from BBC, CBC and other news media available
on audiotape.  Write for a complete list.~