Brainwashing is a term generally used to mean the process of controlling a person’s mind so that they think and act the way some other person wants them to act. Brainwashing is not a psychological science concept.
If the term “brainwashing” is used loosely, it can refer to using techniques of persuasion. However, even though people can be persuaded to believe certain things or act in a particular way, the strategies of persuasion have limited effects.
According to the Smithsonian Magazine, a journalist named Edward Hunter was the first to use the term “brain-washing” in reference to Chinese techniques reportedly turning people into robot-like Communists in 1950.
Sadly, nations and groups use harmful strategies in attempts to convince people to believe or act in various ways. Some people do act in order to avoid pain or the threat of pain. But there is no guarantee that what they say or do is anything other than attempts to escape torture.
To learn more about the science of persuasion, see “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini.
Entry by Geoffrey W Sutton www.suttong.com
Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is www.suttong.com
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