The Psychology of Adolescent Satanism: A Guide for Parents, Counselors, Clergy, and Teachers

(Hardback)

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This text addresses the problems of adolescent Satanism from a psychological viewpoint. It includes the developmental dynamics that underlie four different types of young people who become involved in Satanism and provides an analysis of risk factors. The author critically evaluates the philosophy of Satanism through a review of the satanic Bible, and further appraises the causes of Satanism by examining the role of power, ritual and dualistic thinking in young peoples' lives. In addition, Moriarty evaluates how communication patterns and parenting styles impact on a young person's vulnerability towards becoming involved in Satanism. The book also describes the relationship between Satanism and suicide. Finally, it concludes with 10 practical suggestions for parents and others that can lead to effective prevention. Six major conclusions challenge a number of prevailing myths: satanic beliefs and philosophy should be made known to everyone, therefore destroying the claim to be occult, or hidden; there is no single type of personality drawn to Satanism, as commonly suggested by law enforcement - four types are identified by the author; Satanism must be viewed as a developmental process to be properly understood; people often contribute to an individual's vulnerability to Satanism by how they relate to children and adolescents; there is a significant relationship between suicide and Satanism that needs to be addressed in dealing with young people; and adolescent Satanism is a problem that is largely preventable if certain guidelines are followed. This volume is intended for a wide audience including parents, teachers, clergy, counsellors and other mental health personnel, and law enforcers.

Reviews

Anthony Moriarity's work is a comprehensive hands-on guide for both parents and professionals. It is written in a style that clearly outlines the problem, the risk factors and intervention strategies. One definite strength of this work is that much discussion is is devoted to effective prevention strategies. Consequently, the clinician can utilize this book not only in direct service to child/adolescent clients, but also toward assisting in the development of effective parenting skills. It would be a valued reference in a general parenting group as well as for a parent support group for adolescents already involved in satanic practice.-School Social Work Journal
Highly readable and far from technical, Moriarty addresses the problems of adolescent Satanism from a psychological perspective.-Child & Family Behavior Therapy
"Highly readable and far from technical, Moriarty addresses the problems of adolescent Satanism from a psychological perspective."-Child & Family Behavior Therapy
"Anthony Moriarity's work is a comprehensive hands-on guide for both parents and professionals. It is written in a style that clearly outlines the problem, the risk factors and intervention strategies. One definite strength of this work is that much discussion is is devoted to effective prevention strategies. Consequently, the clinician can utilize this book not only in direct service to child/adolescent clients, but also toward assisting in the development of effective parenting skills. It would be a valued reference in a general parenting group as well as for a parent support group for adolescents already involved in satanic practice."-School Social Work Journal

Author Bio

ANTHONY MORIARTY is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been in private practice since 1980. He is also Assistant Principal at Rich Township High School in Illinois. He has written for the Journal of Mental Health Counseling, Social Work in Education, and various law enforcement journals, including Police Chief and Law and Order.