Red Flag Assessment
Evaluate a group or ideology using research-backed indicators of coercive control. This assessment is based on the BITE model of mind control.
Does the group discourage or forbid members from reading critical information about the organization?
Are members encouraged to minimize contact with family or friends who are critical of the group?
Does the group use 'thought-terminating clichés' (short, pithy phrases) to shut down questioning or critical thought?
Is the leader portrayed as infallible or having unique, secret knowledge that cannot be questioned?
Does the group use fear or phobia indoctrination (e.g., teaching that you will be doomed or cursed if you leave)?
Is there a requirement to report on other members' 'wrongdoing' or lack of loyalty?
Does the group use 'love bombing' (excessive attention and praise) to recruit new members?
Is the group's worldview strictly binary (Us vs. Them, Good vs. Evil)?
Does the group claim that 'the ends justify the means' in service of their mission?
Is information shared in a 'need to know' basis, with secrets reserved for higher-ranking members?
How this assessment works
This quiz uses the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control developed by Steven Hassan, PhD. It measures indicators across Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control.
Each flag is weighted based on its severity as identified in clinical research on destructive cults and high-control environments.