An Abused Spouse's Self-Saving Process: A Theory of Identity Transformation

Lofland and Stark (1965) put forward an empirically grounded theory of identity conversion to a millennium cult that has primarily been applied to religious contexts. Using largely retrospective observational data, this article examines the applicability of their model to account for the decision of some spouse abuse victims to leave or to return to their violent mates after a shelter stay. Tentative analysis suggests certain weaknesses in their seven stage, value-added process model of conversion. More rigorous empirical and theoretical reformulation and testing of their model appear warranted.