9 Personality Traits That Make Joining a Cult More Likely

You may think that you are immune to cults and that only certain people can buy into what they’re saying, but no, everyone can be tempted to join a cult, with some more likely than others.

It all depends on a person’s personality traits and what they seek in life. If a cult’s promises align with your needs, you are more likely to fall into their trap.

Here are nine personality traits that increase the likelihood of a person joining a cult.

Validation-seekers

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Seeking validation and approval is a normal trait in humans, but to some extent. If someone desperately seeks validation, this person is more likely to join a cult.

When a person has been neglected and their efforts go unnoticed, they get tempted by the attention the cult provides them.

People who haven’t figured out their identity

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When a person doesn’t feel like they belong or fall under a certain category or identity, they could feel like they can find the answers within a cult. Some people feel lonely despite being surrounded by people, but with cults, they provide a sense of belonging and family, which can make it tempting for some to join a cult.

People who tend to follow, not lead

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The concept of following a cult leader can be very appealing to those who tend to follow, not lead. A cult leader is typically dynamic and charismatic, charming people with what he says to the point that they think, “Yes, I want that person in my life!” And for followers, it’ll be a jackpot for them to do what they’re asked.

People looking for meaning

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It’s natural to seek answers to questions such as “What is the purpose of life?” and looking for meaning in yours.

However, if the urge to find these answers is too nagging and a cult comes with answers that align with your needs, you are more likely to be sucked into their world.

Schizotypal Thinkers

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Schizotypal thinkers are borderline schizophrenic, meaning that they have odd beliefs and behaviors that might fall under the conspiracy, alien, or supernatural type but without delusions or disconnection from society. Cults have strange beliefs and ideas that may align with those of the schizotypal people.

Highly Suggestible people

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Cults feed on brainwashing and manipulating people. Thus, anyone can be liable to their mind games, but those who are highly suggestible and gullible are more likely than others to fall into their trap.

They make them believe that if something goes right, it’s thanks to the superpower/cult leader, and if it goes wrong, then it is just a test of faith.

People who throw the blame on others

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People who never take the blame for their actions are ideal candidates for joining a cult. They have no moral issues with following whatever the cult is asking them to, and if anything goes wrong, it’s on the cult leader, not them.

Frequently angry people

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Those who are always angry are more likely to join cults, especially those of the extremist type. If a cult member plays on their angry side, they might fall into their trap as they will find a place to belong where they’re not the only ones who are angry.

People with low self-esteem

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It’s a cult’s happy day when they find somebody with low self-esteem and self-worth. They manipulate those with low self-esteem into thinking that they’re not good enough but will be with them or boost their self-worth to the point that they’d want to join them, again, for a sense of belonging.

This doesn’t mean that you’ll join a cult

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Just because you think you have these traits doesn’t mean you’ll join a cult. These are simply the tactics cult members and leaders use to lure new members. Feeling a sense of belonging and having friends is great, but there are better ways to find them than through a cult.