Singer, Margaret (1921–2003)
Singer, Margaret (1921–2003)
American psychologist. Name variations: Margaret Thaler Singer. Born Margaret Thaler, July 29, 1921, in Denver, CO; died Nov 23, 2003, in Berkeley, CA; dau. of chief operating engineer at US Mint; mother was a secretary to a federal judge; University of Denver, PhD in clinical psychology, 1943; m. Jerome R. Singer (professor of physics); children: Sam and Martha.
One of the world's leading experts on cults and brainwashing, began career at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, where, during Korean War, she specialized in studying returning American prisoners of war who had renounced the US during captivity; was a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at University of California, Berkeley (1964–91); served as an expert witness in many high-profile trials, including that of Patricia Hearst; was also known for her work on schizophrenia.