Exploring Tabletop Role-Playing Games as Meaningful Occupations: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Abstract

Tabletop roleplaying games (TRPGs) are an increasingly popular occupation but are still relatively unknown to occupational therapists. This study sought to understand the overall experience, benefits, and consequences of playing TRPGs and the relationship to other occupations. A qualitative research design with a thematic analysis was employed using semi-structured interviews with fifteen participants who had played TRPGs. Participants ranged in age from 20 to 52 years old and six identified as female, eight as male and one as nonbinary. The researchers gleaned four themes which include: (1) Social Connection and Collaboration; (2) Occupational Participation; (3) Creativity; and (4) Societal Perceptions. This research highlights aspects of the game that people enjoy, and skills developed during gameplay translate outside of the game. It suggests possible therapeutic uses of TRPGs that should be validated with future research.