How Would a Social Psychologist Explain Why Some Parents Might

Multiple Choice

How would a social psychologist explain why some parents might fail to protect their children from the harm caused by cult leaders?

A) Parents vulnerable to stress or mental illnesses (such as depression) succumb to the influence of cults more than parents without these risk factors.
B) The leaders utilize mind control techniques to influence cult members' behaviour.
C) Situational factors and social influence techniques overwhelm the parents' resistance and judgment.
D) The parents are unfit to care for their children.
E) The parents lack the intelligence or education to evaluate the effects of the cult on themselves and their families.