Self-check: spot the signs of coercion

The group or person controls your schedule (where you go, who you see, what you do with your days).

Your eating, sleeping or clothing habits have changed to follow the group's instructions.

You have been asked or required to make repeated or growing financial contributions (donations, trainings, paid retreats).

You have reduced or stopped certain activities (studies, hobbies, healthcare, professional life) due to the group's influence.

The group or person discourages or forbids reading outside sources (media, critical books, websites outside the group).

The outside world is presented as dangerous, corrupted or hostile (“us versus them” logic).

The group keeps internal doctrines, rules or teachings revealed only to advanced members.

Criticising the group, leader or doctrine is frowned upon, sanctioned or impossible.

The group uses a specific vocabulary that replaces everyday words and would not be understood by an outsider.

You catch yourself stopping your own critical thinking to avoid questioning teachings.

When a doubt appears, you are asked to “share it with the group” or leader rather than reflect alone.

The group's answers are presented as universal: there is only one right way to think, feel, live.

You feel guilt or shame when you think about leaving the group, taking a weekend off or seeing outside relatives.

You have been told of severe consequences (spiritual, physical, social) if you left the group.

Your relations with family or friends outside the group have weakened, deteriorated or broken.

You are afraid to ask questions or openly express disagreement.