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This article is an electronic version of an article originally
published in Cultic Studies Journal, 1993, Volume 10, Number 1, pages 53-77.
Please keep in mind that the pagination of this electronic reprint differs from
that of the bound volume. This fact could affect how you enter bibliographic
information in papers that you may write.
Is the New Age Movement Harmless?
Critics Versus Experts
Arthur A. Dole, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.
University of Pennsylvania
Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.
American Family Foundation
Steve K. D. Eichel, Ph.D.
RETIRN
Abstract
Following an earlier study of the views of critics of the New Age Movement
(Dole, Langone, & Dubrow-Eichel, 1990), in this article we examine the opinions
of a panel of 85 "Experts" believed to be sympathetic to the New Age. The panel
consisted of executives from New Age publications and other companies,
astrologers, psychics, teacher/trainers, chiropractors, and others. Experts
responded to a questionnaire inquiring into their familiarity with New Age, cult
and occult terms, their beliefs, their opinions on definitional statements
concerning the New Age, their opinions on the importance of scientific research
to understanding the New Age, and their opinions on practices commonly
associated with New Age, cult, or occult groups. When compared with 58 Critics,
Experts disagreed substantially and significantly on 21 out of 26 factor scores
derived from the questionnaire. Critics were uniformly negative toward factor
scores measuring practices, beliefs, and cult, occult, and related terms;
Experts tended toward neutral or moderately negative ratings. Implications of
these findings are discussed.
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