Teacher Describes the Benefits of the Role-Playing Phenomenon
By Gabriel Drouin | Observer Contributor
Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, has often been passed off as satanic due to the monstrous art on the cover of its books, but is now becoming the savior for many, acting as a safe outlet for creativity, personal expression, and even therapy. Dice rollers both old and young have partaken in the game for decades, since its creation in 1974.
It is hard to believe that a game that, in recent years, has become so widely popular was once seen as literal evil. Some even believed that by playing the game you were opening yourself up to demonic possession. Oddly enough, fighting off demons can be a common occurrence for the heroes in a D&D game.
For many years D&D was seen as a game only social pariahs would play. Stereotypes of geeks chugging Mountain Dew and scarfing Cheetos while hiding away in their parents’ basements were commonplace when D&D was mentioned. Of course, people of all varieties play D&D and always have, even super stars such as Vin Diesel and Joe Manganiello.
The growing popularity of D&D has had more benefits than just a growing range of inclusion; it is also being used to help people therapeutically. A quick google search will list countless articles about how effective it is and how more therapists, like Michael Keady, are using D&D to help their patients.
Andrew P. David, a special education teacher in the Athol school system and registered behavioral technician specializing in helping children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), utilizes the skills he learned playing D&D to better connect with his students. Playing D&D fosters skills of improvisation and quick thinking, skills that come in handy for any educator. As D&D is a team-oriented game, it also helps develop a sense of trust and the ability to foster trust in others.
David pointed out that his own daughter has ASD and playing D&D together has helped their relationship grow tremendously. The collaborative storytelling of D&D gives them a rubric to use their imaginations together in a productive and engaging way, something that can be challenging for anyone with ASD.
When asked what he thought about D&D being used in an official capacity as a mental health aid, David said: “When we create a character, even though they are a work of fiction, they always reveal a truth about ourselves, whether or not we mean to… Everything you create and write about comes out as a part of you.” This not only reveals to the professional involved what the individual may need help with but also lets that individual express a part of themselves that they may otherwise keep bottled up in an unhealthy manner.
David’s interactions with D&D go beyond the personal and professional, bordering the religious as well. Although stating he is not a religious man himself, his wife is devoutly Catholic and also plays D&D. After being asked if the topics of D&D and religion ever intersect in his life, David said, “Not at all; it is a matter of understanding. In the past there were a lot of miscommunications, I think, but we (David and his wife) understand that it is simply a game of make believe.” Despite the negative connotations surrounding D&D’s past, recent studies and long standing personal accounts have shown that the roleplaying game provides a healthy outlet for anyone seeking a means of personal expression, imaginative exercise, or a fun night that allows friends and family to connect.
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