I hear you Wolfman.

I was thinking more along the lines of a
meaurement scale of some kind after exiting a group.
Sort of like the scientific curves related to alcoholism-the definite stages of alcoholism and the recovery from that.

I was just wondering if there was a "former cult member" equivalent.
It would be quite easy to pinpoint where one was.

And, of course, all leading back to self.

I think I know what you're after, Tree. I believe the trouble would be that such a curve is bound to be cyclical in some way, meaning that all the stages aren't necessarily gone thru in one straight line but rather come like waves. Still, it would be interesting to know if such a 'scale' exists. I just don't think that one would be able to say 'aha, I'm in such and such phase, I must be almost healed'.

ICSA [International Cultic Studies Assoc.] has been trying to examine this from the point of view of levels of "harm" and that determines degrees of recovery, but the study is in early stages even after 10 years! This article by the ICSA director may help you:
http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_articles/langone_michael_cults_conversion.htm

I like this book as a model for recovery.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/038072572X/ref=sib_dp_pt/002-3597380-9635232#reader-link

"Changing for Good: A Revolutionary Six-Stage Program for Overcoming Bad Habits and Moving Your Life Positively Forward"

is a result of a 20 year study by 3 authors primarily for drug and alcohol recovery but it can apply to any "bad habit" including cult devotion.

this is not the one I was thinking of,
but close.

http://drugwarfacts.org/addictiv.htm