1995 - Personality, belief in paranormal, and involvement with satanic practices among young adult males: dabblers versus gamers

Comparison of role-playing gamers, avowed Satanists, and neither. Gamers and neithers showed no differences while Satanists did not resemble either, concluding RPG would make a poor recruiting tool for Satan worship. 18 small pages.

Abstract

Examined the relationship between fantasy role-playing games (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons) and satanic practices. 217 men completed questionnaires and were categorized as 66 fantasy role-playing gamers, 26 satanic dabblers, and 125 noninvolved controls. All Ss were measured for personality dimensions of psychoticism, extraversion, and neuroticism using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)-Revised; for beliefs in paranormal phenomena using the Belief in the Paranormal Scale; and for involvement in gaming and satanic practices using the Satanic and Fantasy Envelopment survey. Data revealed that fantasy gamers were different from satanic dabblers in major personality characteristics, paranormal beliefs, and interest in satanic practices. Satanic dabblers were significantly higher on psychoticism, introversion, and belief in the paranormal. Evidence is not consistent with the hypothesis that fantasy role-playing games are precursors to satanic practices.