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This article is an electronic version of an article originally
published in Cultic Studies Journal, 1995, Volume 12, Number 2, pages 148-165.
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.
Personality, Belief in the Paranormal, and
Involvement with Satanic Practices Among
Young Adult Males: Dabblers Versus Gamers
Stuart M. Leeds, M.A.
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between fantasy role-playing games, such as
Dungeons & Dragons, and satanic practices. Anonymous questionnaires, completed
by 217 adult male subjects, were categorized into noninvolvement (control
n’125), fantasy role-playing gamers (n’66), and satanic dabbler groups (n’26).
Subjects were measured for personality dimensions of psychoticism, extraversion,
and neuroticism using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R); for beliefs
in paranormal phenomena using the Belief in the Paranormal Scale (BPS); and for
involvement in gaming and satanic practices using the Satanic and Fantasy
Envelopment (SAFE) survey. A series of one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlations
revealed that fantasy gamers are different from satanic dabblers in major
personality characteristics, paranormal beliefs, and interest in satanic
practices. The satanic dabblers were significantly higher on psychoticism,
introversion, and belief in the paranormal. The evidence is not consistent with
the hypothesis that fantasy role-playing games are precursors to satanic
practices.
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