Susceptibility and Retention in Cults: A Systematic Review of Neurobiological, Psychological, and Group-social Influences

Cults, also referred to as high-demand groups or new religious movements, are social formations characterized by strong behavioral, informational, emotional, and cognitive control, often involving manipulative practices and suppression of individual autonomy. Although the psychological consequences of cult involvement are well documented, broader interdisciplinary explanations remain limited. This systematic review applies Engel’s Biopsychosocial (BPS) framework to examine cult membership as an interaction of neurobiological, psychological, and social factors. The review aimed to identify key mechanisms associated with susceptibility to cult involvement and continued membership. Of 97 screened records, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings identified ten major biopsychosocial factors: neurobiological (n = 4), psychological (n = 3), and social/group-level factors (n = 3). Neurobiological findings were largely derived from general social neuroscience and group behavior studies rather than direct cult-population research, and should therefore be interpreted as associative rather than causal. Across all three domains, social conformity and group cohesion consistently emerged as central mechanisms underlying cultic influence. Overall, current evidence remains limited by small samples, indirect measures, and the scarcity of longitudinal designs. Further empirical research is needed to develop more individualized and evidence-based interventions for those affected by coercive groups.