Since the 1960’s and the emergence of many NRMs, scholars have debated over the harmful effects of cults and mental health and well-being of their followers. The anti-cult movement has painted a negatively biased picture for the public, of brainwashing and mind control. Members were labeled emotionally unstable or deviant. Research indicates both positive and negative aspects associated with involvement in NRMs much like any other religion. In the 1990’s Germany appointed a governmental commission to investigate serious claims against various NRMs, the results contradicted the harmful allegations.
The widespread fear of cult leaders recruiting the teens/young adults of society and brainwashing them into mentally unstable lunatics has plagued society since the 1960’s. Some of the signs and symptoms listed such as; “sudden and drastic changes in values and behavior, reduction of cognitive and emotional functioning, dissociation, and estrangement from family and regressive behaviors” were associated with NRM’s. However, all of those changes are also associated with anyone who changes religions. Children are often raised in the religion of their parents. When a person begins thinking about their own beliefs, usually in their late teens early twenties, they often break away and explore other religions.