Induced feelings of shame and/or guilt
The requirement for members to cut ties with family and friends
A preoccupation with bringing in new members
A preoccupation with making money
The expectation that members devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities
Excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to the leader
Suppression of doubt and dissent
Detailed prescriptions for how followers should live (for example, whom to marry, where to live, whether or not to have children)
Claims of a special, exalted status for the leader (for example, the leader is considered the Messiah, or is on a special mission to save humanity)
The belief that these supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means the leader deems necessary