Myth Busters #1: Brainwashing

I think one of the main problems with the use of this term is it is vague at best and detrimental at worst. One is able to shift the goal posts regarding the definition of the term, adjusting it to their purposes depending on the situation. Furthermore it harkens back to old conceptualizations of mystical, hypnotic, magical, voodoo abilities of someone or some group to be able to completely change a person’s mind. Brainwashing is a misuse and misunderstanding of the concept at a scientific level and in in the recent R. Kelly case does not have a scientific meaning.

People who are “brainwashing” someone are using various psychological ploys or techniques. They are utilizing concepts from the following, but not limited to, the following domains of psychology: social, personality, behavioral, sensation, perception, and political.

I can’t give you exact examples because the techniques “brainwashing” people have learned will vary depending upon the person. Is the person dominant or submissive? Are they highly intelligent or not? Do they have a lot of friends or none? What is their education level? Do they have good or poor family connections? Do they have many friends or few? All of these factors and more the “manipulator” will take into account. When you break down the concept of “brainwashing” into its component parts it is nothing more than knowing enough psychology to be able to change a person’s mind using different concepts. Arguably you could again utilize the lay conceptualization of the term and say that therapists are actually “brainwashing” people. After all they create a change in a person’s life using psychological knowledge and techniques. The only difference is that in the therapeutic sense it is for good not evil.