Mind control is a suite of practices a group uses to manipulate and control its members. Mind control is not the same as brainwashing. There is no torture involved with mind control, and since those implementing the techniques are not at all perceived as the enemy – whereas a torturer is clearly an enemy – a person is likely to set up no defences against the techniques. Instead, the cult leadership is seen as doing what is best for the member, even if it's punishment. Thus, mind control doesn't force someone to do anything against their will. People want to comply with the coercion. Because of this, individuals under the influence of mind control are responsible for their own actions.

Only a few cults will strongly exhibit all the following mind control techniques, but all sociological cults will exhibit most of them. Often the mind control mechanisms are used together to form even stronger controls over members.

Also note that it's not uncommon to see one or more of these occasionally shown by a good Christian church. No church is perfect, but in such a case it is the exception rather than the rule and if particularly strong it is a problem that should be addressed.

Deception | Exclusivism | Fear, Guilt, Intimidation | Information Control | Loaded Language | Love Bombing | Personality Replacement | Relationship Control | Reporting Structure | Shunning | Thought Stopping | Time Control