In May 1950 the magazine Astounding Science Fiction published Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard.
Dianetics divides the mind into:
(1) the conscious analytical mind
(2) the subconscious reactive mind
(3) the somatic mind
Scientologists believe the reactive mind interferes with a person’s ethics, awareness, happiness, and sanity.
Scientology auditors employ a procedure utilizing an e-meter while asking questions to determine the content of the reactive mind.
Scientology procedures and tactics (including intimidation of critics) are highly controversial.
Controversies include Scientology’s stance on psychiatry, its legitimacy as a religion, its aggressive attitude against critics, allegations of mistreatment of members, its predatory financial practices and perceived exploitative practices.