The Psychology Behind Cult-Like Health Movements There are clear psychological patterns that define cult behavior — and we’re seeing them more often in modern health and social movements. Black-and-white thinking. Us vs. them. Constant victimhood. Imagined authority. Persecution narratives. When emotion replaces critical thinking, movements stop helping people and start trapping them. Understanding this matters — especially in medicine and mental health. — Dr. B Schedule a coaching call with Dr.