Most people who post to this forum consider themselves to be mentally tough.

I just finished a book by Gregg Hurwitz titled "The Program," about the subtle ways that cults lure their victims (I have no affiliation with the author or publisher).

This is a "thriller," not a factual account. The plot concerns a U.S. Marshall infiltrating the cult to rescue a member. It got me to thinking about the mental aspects of survival.

Does anyone have any experience with cults or other high pressure situations in which a survival mindset kept them out of trouble?

Only if you count the military.

If you haven't yet, look at Doug Ritter's snapshot of this book: Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales. I think you'd enjoy it. Excellent book.

Does the military count? Managed to survive "mostly intact" after my stint. I happen to think I made it out ok. Others may have different ideas though.

I second that, Deep Survival is a great book, well worth the purchase price.

I'll check it out.

The USAF survival manual Search and Rescue goes into the psychological aspect of survival with a focus on POW. I found the book informative but it is definately geared towards the military.