A number of elements are common to 'self-reconstitution processes' such as religious conversion, brainwashing, Synanon and Alcoholics Anonymous experiences, psychotherapy, military indoctrination, and hypnosis. These elements include symbolic death and rebirth, a relationship with a group and its esteemed representative (teacher, oracle), ritual behavior that allows the acolyte an active role, special bodily stimuli (kneeling, lying, hunger, etc.), and 'triggers', which are special events that stimulate conversion. Such conversion procedures involve 'a physical and psychological assault (symbolic death); a developing confusion about self and other beliefs … surrender and despair (becoming a nonperson) and … a working through, active mastery, re-education or adaptation process (the rebirth experience)'.