Tennant-Clark, C.M., Fritz, J.J., & Beauvais, F. (1989, Winter). Occult participation: Its impact on adolescent development. Adolescent, 24 (96), 757-772.

OVERVIEW

This study investigates the relationship between occult participation, substance abuse, and level of self-esteem in adolescents. Although correlations between these areas have been observed through informal interviews and relationships, this is the first scientific study on the topic. Occult involvement among teens has been increasing in recent years; Satanic crime stories have appeared in many newspapers.

DESIGN

Data were collected from fifty adolescents—25 females, 25 males—ranging in age from 12 to 19. Twenty-five of the youth were currently involved in clinical rehabilitation for substance abuse; the other 25 were non-clinical. Participants completed a three-part survey designed to assess self esteem, occult involvement, and drug and alcohol use. The youth were also given an opportunity to provide open-ended responses concerning the issues involved.

FINDINGS

A significant relationship was found between occult involvement and drug use. Those in the clinical group showed a higher level of occult participation and lower self-esteem. Participants in both groups who showed high occult involvement also showed higher chemical abuse, low self-esteem, negative feelings about school, poor self-concept, low desire to be considered a good person, negative feelings about religion, high tolerance for deviance, negative feelings about the future, low sanctions against drug abuse, and felt blamed.

CONCLUSIONS

Many adolescents may use drugs and/or occult experience to boost low self-esteem.

Adolescents with a poor self-concept may enter occultism to form an identity through an accepting group.

Occult activities lead to poor school performance.

Occult participation and traditional religious involvement probably do not coexist. Occultism may be a rebellion against family religion and societal spiritual norms.

Adolescents involved in occultism may be seeking a sense of control and power.

Secrecy surrounding occult participation may make teens refuse to respond on the subject.

IMPLICATIONS

1. This study indicates that there are unmet psychological needs underlying both drug abuse and Satanic involvement.
2. Intervention in the life of a teen involved in Satanism must attack two main fronts: the spiritual and the psychological. Schools, families, and churches should be aware of needs and strive to meet them in appropriate manners.
3. Churches and youth leaders must prepare for spiritual battle and to lead families and schools that are open to the same.

Jeff Crosby cCYS