- Савченко, Аглая Іванівна (orcid.org/0009-0006-3978-0982) (2026) Tabletop role-playing games as a tool for psychological research on group dynamics and team interaction Проблеми політичної психології, 19 (33). ISSN 2411-1449
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Abstract
Relevance. Modern psychology faces a shortage of instruments that integrate high ecological validity with the capacity for rigorous control over experimental variables. Traditional methods of studying group dynamics often overlook the immersiveness and spontaneity of real-life interaction. The relevance of this study is driven by the necessity to identify new methodological platforms capable of modeling complex social scenarios within a safe yet emotionally resonant environment. Tabletop role-playing games emerge as an innovative microcosm that allows for the investigation of team processes at the intersection of game mechanics and live social interaction. Objective. To provide a theoretical justification and evidence that tabletop role-playing games serve as a powerful and valid tool for the psychological study of teamwork, cognitive adaptability, and group cohesion processes. Methodology. The methodology is based on a synthesis of sociological and psychological approaches (reversal theory and flow theory). Through conceptual modeling, tabletop role-playing games are defined as a controlled model of social interaction. The systematization of game mechanics and a comparative analysis with traditional psychological testing have justified the advantages of this method in the context of ecological validity and immersiveness. Results. The mechanics of tabletop role-playing games have been investigated as a relevant method for studying team interaction, combining ecological validity with scientific control. It was established that game immersion minimizes social desirability, ensuring the authenticity of data regarding participants' cognitive adaptability. The study revealed that the "role mask" and "aesthetic distance" negate social risks, creating a safe environment for testing new behavioral models. The stimulation of strategic thinking and cognitive flexibility under conditions combining planning and randomness was confirmed. The emotional engagement of players facilitates the formation of group trust and the internalization of team experience. The results substantiate the effectiveness of integrating tabletop role-playing games into assessment systems, teambuilding, and psychotherapy for correcting social anxiety and developing mediation skills. Conclusions. The use of tabletop role-playing games is justified as a valid tool for researching teamwork and cognitive adaptability, integrating ecological validity with scientific control. Game immersion and the "role mask" minimize social desirability and risks, allowing participants to spontaneously test new behavioral models in a safe environment. It was established that the combination of planning and randomness stimulates strategic thinking, while a genuine emotional response accelerates the formation of group trust. The findings confirm the effectiveness of integrating tabletop role-playing games into corporate assessments, psychotherapy, and teambuilding to develop conflict mediation skills and reduce social anxiety.
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