Identification with a leader creates a sense of security through belonging to a stable group, where an individual receives support, clear guidelines, and the feeling that their life has meaning by being "one of us" within some collective.

The Cost of Belonging: How Group Identification Erodes Individual Auto

Identification with a leader creates a sense of security through belonging to a stable group, where an individual receives support, clear guidelines, and the feeling that their life has meaning by being "one of us" within some collective. However, in this process, the personality may lose the ability to act independently. Personal opinions and independent beliefs are often relegated to the background in order to conform to the group and obey the will of the leader.

For example, a quote from file link txt states:
"Another important point that helps determine the components of our individuality is belonging to a group. The group has a significant influence on the personality, helping it to form. Social relationships within the group also affect our beliefs and attitudes, which can lead both to conformity and the development of independence. However, excessive social adaptation may result in the suppression of personal beliefs and individuality."

This quote demonstrates that being part of a group can indeed foster a sense of belonging and, consequently, security, but if an individual becomes too immersed in social norms and demands, their own individuality and capacity for independent decision-making are at risk.

Similarly, using the example of the influence of cults, a quote from file link txt explains that the promises of personal happiness and power given by a leader cause a person to be willing to endure significant suffering and fully submit to the teacher:
"Happiness, freedom, personal wealth, or knowledge are promised at every stage if a cult member agrees to endure suffering even greater than what they have already experienced, so each time they tell themselves that it would be foolish to retreat when they are so close to the goal... Thus, the members become completely subordinate to their teacher, obeying him blindly and unconditionally, and are capable of turning into dangerous fanatics."

Here, an important point is evident: the constant presence under a leader’s guidance can lead to infantilization, where independent criticism and personal development are replaced by blind obedience. Thus, the sense of security that comes from identifying with a leader comes at a price – the loss of independent individuality and the suppression of personal convictions.

Supporting citation(s):
"Another important point that helps determine the components of our individuality is belonging to a group. The group has a significant influence on the personality, helping it to form. Social relationships within the group also affect our beliefs and attitudes, which can lead both to conformity and the development of independence. However, excessive social adaptation may result in the suppression of personal beliefs and individuality." (source: link txt)

"Happiness, freedom, personal wealth, or knowledge are promised at every stage if a cult member agrees to endure suffering even greater than what they have already experienced, so each time they tell themselves that it would be foolish to retreat when standing so close to the goal that all their suffering would be in vain. Thus, the members become completely subordinate to their teacher, obeying him blindly and unconditionally, and are capable of turning into dangerous fanatics." (source: link txt)