THE PHENOMENON OF MASS SUICIDES COMMITTED BY FOLLOWERS OF SECTS ON THE EXAMPLE OF INDIVIDUAL DESTRUCTIVE ORGANIZATIONS

Gavrilenko Yuliya Valeryevna

The article examines the phenomenon of mass suicides committed by members of destructive religious sects. Historical examples are considered, and a comparison of events is carried out to identify similar factors preceding their occurrence. To compile a more complete picture, the author cites the opinions of scientific researchers, sectarians, as well as former followers of religious destructive organizations regarding this phenomenon and the conditions conducive to its occurrence. Goal. The scientific research is based on the analysis of the activities of destructive sects where mass suicides were committed, in order to identify common features inherent in such organizations and build a predictive model that allows further identification of such an organization as potentially dangerous to humans. Methodology. When writing the article, methods of analysis, synthesis, and comparison were used. Results. The individual acts of mass suicide in sects described in their scientific works by A.L. Dvorkin and E.V. Romanova are analyzed; the model of mind manipulation derived by L. Festinger and S. Hassen is presented and considered in detail using these examples. Using her example, the activities of pseudo-religious organizations are considered and their common features are highlighted, which make it possible to define them as destructive and carrying a potential social danger.

Keywords:sect, cult, mass suicide (mass suicide), cult suicide, murder, manipulation of consciousness, destructive organization, initiation, neophyte.