THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SATANIC CULT INVOLVEMENT: AN ...

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of oral sadistic impulses. The integration and assimilation of this structure into the
central self is made impossible by defences which seek to expel it. It consequently
assumes a life of its own as a dynamic subpersonality, both dissociated and yet connected
to the personality by the projective and introjective links whereby individuals maintain
unconscious contact with bad objects. The resulting demonic introjective configuration,
based on self suborganisations and object suborganisations, is defensively dissociated
from the central self through splitting mechanisms, and externalised in fantasy as a
malevolent personified entity. The intrusive re-introjection of this projected composite
bad object results in the ego-dystonic phenomenon of involuntary demonic possession.
In Satanism, where demonic possession is deliberately invoked, we find an atypical
defensive strategy based upon identification with the destructive subpersonality,
mythologically identified as Satan and his demons. By means of perverse identification
with this pathological organisation, the individual escapes persecution by the satanic
subpersonality and assimilates its destructive power, thereby counteracting an underlying
sense of emptiness, inferiority and worthlessness. Narcissistic personalities are more
inclined to this perverse defensive identification with a sadistic and tyrannical personality
suborganisation as it provides a sense of security and omnipotence. The resulting
pathological organisation - personified as Satan - ruthlessly seeks to destroy those parts of
the personality drawn to intimate, loving, compassionate or vulnerable contact with good·
internal or external objects. The satanic self is characterised by sadistic perversion and
envy, giving rise to ritual destruction of anything identified with good, and the
idealisation of all that is bad or evil. Satanic ceremonies are vehicles for the expression
of sadistic destructiveness, and ritual renewals of identification with the satanic internal
organisation. Any attempt to leave the cult or display emotion dissonant with the satanic
subpersonality results in persecution by the satanic self, which threatens the individual
with annihilation. The concrete manifestation of destructive projective identifications, in
the form of persecutory demonic delusions and hallucinations, makes it difficult to
establish any alliance with residually good parts of the self or others. This internal
persecution, together with external persecution by loyal cult members, reinforces