One of the best sources I have found on this topic of control is Robert Jay Lifton's little but powerful book:
Losing Reality: On cults, cultism, and the mindset of polititcal and religious zealotry
"Lifton has spent decades exploring psychological extremism. His pioneering concept of the "Eight Deadly Sins" of ideological totalism--originally devised to identify "brainwashing" (or "thought reform") in political movements--has been widely quoted in writings about cults, and embraced by members and former members of religious cults seeking to undertstand their experiences."
When I gave my presentation "A Cult Insider's Story," which was recorded and is on YouTube, I discussed Lifton's work.
The guy wearing the red scarf, introduces me: