Psychological impact of power abuse in buddhist groups and essential aspects in psychotherapeutic interventions for the affected individuals

Abstract

Background: Recent developments in international buddhist organizations and the results of the research project TransTibMed brought indoctrination, exploitation, violence as well as physical and psychological abuse to light.

Method: The findings of the research and the documents on the organizations form the basis for analyzing decontextualized Buddhist concepts, the understanding of the mechanisms of damage and their impact on the health of group members.

Result: The psychological effects of the internalization of decontextualized concepts and neologisms encompass uncertainty about one’s own perception and identification with the master and his group. Due to an increased evolving dependency, a person may thus adapt to the wishes and expectations of the abuser despite damage, justified by concepts such as karma- purification. The damage mechanisms and individual adaptations of affected persons require a development of specific psychotherapeutic treatment approaches. The diagnostic range covers reactions to severe stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders and dissociative disorders.

Conclusion: Analyzing internalized decontextualized buddhist concepts revealed common damaging mechanisms across groups. Although it is possible to develop specific elements for crisis intervention and psychotherapy of affected persons through this approach, the impact extends to provision of health care and prevention.