Psychological Attack Matrix
This matrix maps psychological manipulation tactics used across various contexts including cults, radicalization, abusive relationships, toxic workplaces, coercive control, and other forms of psychological manipulation. Inspired by MITRE ATT&CK, this framework synthesizes research from:
- McCauley & Moskalenko - Pyramid of Radicalization
- Robert Jay Lifton - Eight Criteria for Thought Reform
- Steven Hassan - BITE Model (Behavior, Information, Thought, Emotional control)
- Coercive Control Research - Evan Stark's patterns of domestic abuse
- Gaslighting & Manipulation - Psychological abuse tactics
- Online Extremism Research - Digital manipulation and algorithmic radicalization
Applies To:
- Cult recruitment and thought reform
- Online radicalization (incels, extremism, conspiracy groups)
- Abusive relationships and domestic violence
- Toxic workplace manipulation
- Coercive control and emotional abuse
- Gaslighting and psychological manipulation
- High-control groups and organizations
How to Use This Matrix:
Each column represents a Tactic (stage or method of psychological manipulation). Each cell contains Techniques (specific methods used). Click on any technique to see detailed information, examples across different contexts, and mitigation strategies.
| Vulnerability Exploitation |
Initial Contact |
Engagement | Indoctrination | Information Control |
Thought Control |
Behavioral Control |
Isolation | Deep Radicalization |
Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
T001
Social Isolation
Target individuals disconnected from mainstream society
T002
Economic Hardship
Exploit financial struggles and resentment
T003
Identity Crisis
Target those searching for purpose and belonging
T004
Victimhood Narrative
Reinforce perception of being wronged by society
T005
Loss & Trauma
Exploit recent personal loss or rejection
|
T006
Algorithmic Exposure
YouTube/TikTok algorithms suggesting extreme content
T007
Online Communities
Forums, Discord, Telegram groups as entry points
T008
Charismatic Leadership
Influential figures providing answers
T009
Gatekeeper Content
Moderate content leading to extreme ideology
T010
Peer Recruitment
Friends/family already radicalized introduce target
|
T011
Love Bombing
Overwhelming affection creating dependency
T012
Instant Belonging
Immediate acceptance into group
T013
Shared Enemy
Unite against common perceived threats
T014
Special Knowledge
Access to 'hidden truths' outsiders don't know
T015
Hero Narrative
Position as part of important mission
|
T016
Us vs Them
Binary worldview of allies vs enemies
T017
Dehumanization
Portray out-groups as less than human
T018
Conspiracy Theories
Complex theories explaining contradictions
T019
Pseudo-Science
Misuse of biology/psychology to justify beliefs
T020
Purity Spirals
Competition for most extreme commitment
T021
Historical Revisionism
Rewrite history to support narrative
|
T022
Milieu Control
Filter all information entering environment
T023
Echo Chambers
Only interact with like-minded individuals
T024
Mainstream Demonization
Portray outside sources as corrupt/lying
T025
Filter Bubbles
Algorithmic isolation from opposing views
T026
Selective Evidence
Cherry-pick data, ignore contradictions
|
T027
Thought-Stopping Clichés
Simple phrases shutting down critical thinking
T028
Loaded Language
Specialized terminology shaping perception
T029
Sacred Science
Group possesses absolute truth
T030
Reality Distortion
Gaslighting about events and facts
T031
Doctrine Over Person
Ideology more important than experience
|
T032
Social Pressure
Peer pressure enforcing group norms
T033
Public Commitment
Require public statements increasing dedication
T034
Incremental Escalation
Gradually increase extreme behaviors
T035
Guilt & Shame
Emotional manipulation for compliance
T036
Status Hierarchies
Ranks and rewards for deeper commitment
T037
Fear of Ostracism
Threaten exclusion for questioning
|
T038
Family Alienation
Cut ties with non-believing family
T039
Friend Replacement
Replace old networks with group members
T040
Time Monopolization
Consume all free time with activities
T041
Financial Dependence
Create economic ties making leaving hard
T042
Bridge Burning
Actions making return to normal life impossible
|
T043
Identity Fusion
Complete merge of personal and group identity
T044
Moral Disengagement
Justify harmful actions through ideology
T045
Martyrdom Glorification
Romanticize sacrifice for the cause
T046
Deindividuation
Loss of individual identity and awareness
T047
Mission Obsession
Single-minded focus on group's goals
|
T048
Stochastic Terrorism
Rhetoric inspiring violence without orders
T049
Lone Wolf Activation
Individual attacks inspired by ideology
T050
Recruitment Activities
Active recruiting of new members
T051
Propaganda Creation
Produce content to spread ideology
T052
Meme Warfare
Spread ideology through viral content
|
Academic References:
- McCauley, C., & Moskalenko, S. (2011). Friction: How Radicalization Happens to Them and Us
- Lifton, R. J. (1961). Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism
- Hassan, S. (2018). The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control
- Stark, E. (2007). Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life
- Bancroft, L. (2002). Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men
- Sweet, P. L. (2019). "The sociology of gaslighting." American Sociological Review
- Ribeiro, M. H., et al. (2020). "Auditing radicalization pathways on YouTube." FAT* 2020