INTP in a Cultic Environment

[Xel]

A cult seeks to totally control both a person's life and their thoughts. Would use of mind control techniques (such as those outlined by Robert Jay Lifton) alter one's MBTI? If so what type would these people be if they have a type at all (They could simply be nothing... except what the group wants them to be) Or if not how would an INTP think or act if he or she was a member of a cult or how would they act if they had the desire to leave the cult?

 

[echoplex]

I don't think a person's MBTI type would change, although it's important to keep in mind that not everyone is 100% certain of their type. Many believe they are a certain type, but may really be another type and not know themselves well enough to see that error. Since MBTI deals with preferences, behavior can change without type changing since it's likely that one's behavior would not be in line with their preference when under the influence of a cult.

So, a person may prefer to rebel against the cult's psychological manipulation, but may be too weak to do so. For example, an INTP may prefer to question the cult's "authority" and refuse to follow no matter what (in typical INTP fashion), but may instead go against their preference and follow because they have weak self-esteem or because the cult has threatened them and they feel afraid to act according to their preference.

Naturally, I think people are best able to "be themselves" in situations where they are happy, comfortable, and feel supported by others. A cult is unlikely to genuninely produce such a sense of well-being. So, in that sense, you could say an INTP wouldn't really "be" an INTP in terms of behavior. If they feel stressed, they may "act" ESFJ or ENTJ. They may also try to chameleon the cult's leader in the hopes of loosening his/her control by proving to themselves and others how easy it is to seem so charismatic, thus exposing the leader as nothing special.

 

[Artifice Orisit]

Would use of mind control techniques (such as those outlined by Robert Jay Lifton) alter one's MBTI?

Possibly, although it would be quite difficult.

how would an INTP think or act if he or she was a member of a cult

A. They're playing along so as not to cause conflict, a silent sceptic.
B. They're a believer and will remain so until proven wrong, twice.

how would they act if they had the desire to leave the cult?

A. Quietly leave everyone else to their fate, it's their choice after all.
B. (If offended in some way) Starts deprogramming other members.

 

[EloquentBohemian]

how would an INTP think or act if he or she was a member of a cult

A. They're playing along so as not to cause conflict, a silent sceptic.
B. They're a believer and will remain so until proven wrong, twice.

C. Assume the guise of being a cult member while gradually working one's way up to being the advisor to the cult leader, at which time the INTP begins to alter the cult leaders thinking, thus leading the cult through the puppet of the original cult leader and eventually initiating the INTP's secret plan to take over the world and enslave mankind (...except other INTP's).
D. Debating every conceptual issue with the cult leader and eventually absent-mindedly drinking a glass of Kool-Aid.

 

[Xel]

If it is about preference then I think that maybe it would change. Mind control is about making you preference something different. I've herd phrases such as "put on the new personality" used by cults. However since (from my own observations) that cult members (if the people I have seen are in fact cult members which I am unsure of) maintain some kind of uniqueness to themselves then this suggests two things. One is that people like to maintain a distance from their own beliefs in order to not appear monstrous to themselves. When asked if they think for themselves they might say yes but there is nothing they actually disagree with. Or they say they do have doubts but they say all other things outside are horrible and evil so they stay. This can explain bending of the rules. Second is that each might internalize the doctrine in their own way.

An INTP might defend the cult using any twist and turn of logic they can find. It may all even be cult logic but if it seems rational enough... The endless introspection can find and pick out new sins and increase guilt all the more. If they begin to doubt their indecisive nature will keep them in... wondering if they have overlooked something and that if they choose wrong they loose everything (as everything outside the cult is bad)

 

[echoplex]

Kool-Aid? Not if it's cherry flavored dammit! I hate that kind! I used to be a sucker for the orange though when I was little. Ah, those were the days. You know, the days before the concept of tooth decay mattered to me.

And yes, I like choice C, although I'm not sure where we'd get the motivation.

If it is about preference then I think that maybe it would change. Mind control is about making you preference something different. I've herd phrases such as "put on the new personality" used by cults.

You may be right. The MBTI, as I understand it (I could be wrong), views it that our preferences are formed during childhood (or at birth, to some degree). The preferences are thought to be internal and dictate the functions we'd most like to use most often. However, even under that theory, our preferred functions can still be manipulated. Ti, for example, can be used to defend the cult (as you illustrated in your 2nd paragraph). Ne could increase the very sense of doubt and imagination that may have made the cult seem attractive to begin with. And a weak Fe may make an INTP afraid to express any negative feelings towards the cult.

 

[Xel]

Option C requires dealing with cult members. There is only so much smiling and nodding one can do.

I can see a no longer believing INTP yet still in it (it takes time to get out of these things) internally yelling "You are being completely and utterly illogical!" and being absolutely frustrated that these internally brought up reasons are never addressed.

 

[Toad]

I believe that Cults or any institution that creates an atmosphere of autonomy can change your MBTI type.

After I left military school, I remember I took the MBTI test and at that time I remember my result was ENTJ.

Slowly I was became myself again.

I'm too tired to come up with the details of it all. So if you guys have any questions, go ahead and i'll explain it that way.

 

[Ulysses]

I believe that Cults or any institution that creates an atmosphere of autonomy can change your MBTI type.

After I left military school, I remember I took the MBTI test and at that time I remember my result was ENTJ.

Slowly I was became myself again.

I'm too tired to come up with the details of it all. So if you guys have any questions, go ahead and i'll explain it that way.

lol

Your post has a lot in common with Swiss cheese.

 

[Toad]

How is it like swiss cheese?

Have you ever been inducted into a system?!? It changes you man...it changes you...

Don't ever insult my posts without backing it up! Fool...

 

[Xel]

Would an INTP be a good cult leader? Cult leaders on one level usually believe their own crap but on another level are con men and see beyond it. An INTP may know himself too well to pull off that kind of double think. One the other hand leaders need to find ways of making crazy ideas seem somehow logical and I think an INTP could do that. But then again cult leaders also need charisma and know how to manipulate people... an INTP could do that but would he enjoy it... well if the sex and money is good...

 

[Toad]

The fact that INTP's hate controlling people would hurt them in cult leadership roles....