Periodically I see references in the news or in online discussions that a study by psychologists showed that people who believe in astrology tend to be narcissistic and not too intelligent. This origin of this particular attack on astrologers appears to be an article published in Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 187, March 2022, 111389, entitled Even the stars think that I am superior: Personality, intelligence and belief in astrology by Ida Andersson, Julia Persson, Petri Kajonius of Lund University, Lund, Sweden. Here is the Abstract of this journal article:
“Belief in astrology is on the rise, although the reasons behind this are unclear. We tested whether individual personality traits could predict such epistemically unfounded beliefs. Data was collected for 264 participants through an anonymous online survey shared on social media. The survey consisted of four instruments: Belief in Astrology (BAI), the Big Five personality traits (IPIP-30), narcissism (SD3) and intelligence (ICAR16-R3D). Data analysis was done with multiple linear regression. Narcissism was surprisingly the strongest predictor, and intelligence showed a negative relationship with belief in astrology. Overall, our novel results suggest that something as innocent as astrology could both attract and possibly reinforce individual differences.”
Many hard scientists regard psychology as a pseudoscience, and as you read this article it is easy to see why. The Abstract is misleading and disingenuous. The authors claim to have tested their hypothesis. There was no control group, and they did not define who or what they were testing. They imply that their results are generalizable, but in fact, the results apply to a specific narrowly defined subset of a much larger population. Even worse, the authors are strongly biased against astrology and do not discuss how their personal biases may be affecting their work, especially confirmation bias.
In my view, the authors have a flawed view of what astrology encompasses. They write: “It is not clear why this ancient practice of studying positions and movements of celestial bodies, with the conviction that they influence human behaviour, is going through a revival. However, previous literature suggests that when societies or individuals are under stress or threat, people are more likely to turn to astrology and other epistemically unfounded beliefs.” An assumption of this paper is that astrology is an epistemically unfounded belief.
If you’re not familiar with this psychobabble, epistemic belief refers to a person’s beliefs and assumptions about what knowledge is and how it is acquired or changed. It includes beliefs about the nature of knowledge itself, how knowledge is constructed or modified, the structure and organization of knowledge, and what defines a successful student when it comes to learning. Research has shown that a person’s epistemic beliefs are important factors that can predict their learning outcomes and overall academic success. Epistemic beliefs vary from individual to individual. They can be influenced and potentially changed through targeted educational interventions and experiences. Studies have looked at how epistemic beliefs develop and evolve over time as people progress through different stages of education. Research has also examined the relationship between epistemic beliefs and external variables like being in an academically advanced or remedial educational track, personal characteristics and traits of the individual, and their socioeconomic background. In summary, epistemic beliefs refer to a core set of assumptions people hold about the fundamental nature of knowledge and the process of learning and knowing. These beliefs can impact educational achievement and can be shaped by various interventions and personal background factors.
Not only do these biased authors assume that astrology is an unfounded epistemic belief, but they also imply that it is dangerous, a veritable wolf in sheep’s clothing: “Though embracing astrology might seem innocent, it is nonetheless possible that it facilitates uncritical thinking and favours biases. Further, belief in astrology correlates with belief in multiple other pseudosciences as well as with belief in conspiracy theories which indicates that it might not be all that harmless. The present study set out to explore individual differences regarding belief in astrology. Although there is no consensus concerning what makes some people more susceptible to pseudoscientific beliefs than others, commonly mentioned factors are personality traits and cognitive biases” (bold mine).
Although the authors call what they did a “study,” in reality, it is just a silly questionnaire posted on social media without clear-cut admission criteria in which participants were recruited via word-of-mouth on Facebook. That’s right, they posted a questionnaire on Facebook and called it a scientific study! Guess who voluntarily filled out the questionnaire? A bunch of women between the ages of 25 and 34. Specifically, 264 people completed the questionnaire and 87% (230 of them) were women ages 25 – 34.
The questionnaire included items about personality traits, narcissism, IQ (4 items in total), and the so-called Belief in Astrology Inventory (BAI) created by Chico and Lorenzo-Seva (2006), which is a silly and flawed instrument designed to test for belief in sun-sign astrology, as if it had something to do with genuine astrology. Clearly, whoever designed the BAI knew nothing about real astrology and simply tried to evaluate a straw man based on the prejudices of the scientific community.
To show how ridiculous the BAI is, let me quote it in its entirety. I found a copy on the site of a psychologist, Mark Travers Ph.D., who has a B.A. from Cornell (2002-2006) and a Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder (2010-2015) and is apparently doing some research on the topic. Travers writes: “Whether in academic research, market analysis or counseling settings, recognizing the depth of astrological beliefs provides valuable insights into human behavior, preferences and coping mechanisms. The Belief in Astrology Inventory emerges as a pivotal tool in this endeavor, offering a systematic approach to quantify and assess individuals’ levels of astrological conviction. This inventory, designed with careful consideration of relevant research, provides a thorough framework to measure the spectrum of beliefs associated with astrology. By delving into the core elements of astrological faith, the inventory aids researchers, psychologists, and professionals in gaining a comprehensive understanding of how these beliefs impact individuals’ thoughts, actions, and overall worldview.” He then offers his readers the opportunity to take the BAI, which I have reproduced here from his site:
Rate the following statements based on how much you agree with them on a scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree.
1. Reading your horoscope is neither a superstition nor a waste of time. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
2. The supposed negative influence of heavenly bodies is reasonable. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
3. Horoscopes can predict a person’s future. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
4. Heavenly bodies can have a positive influence on some people. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
5. The success of your relationship with your partner has everything to do with your zodiac sign. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
6. Similarities in the way people of the same zodiac sign relate to others aren’t purely coincidental. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
7. I like talking about subjects related to astrology.
Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
8. Knowing a person’s zodiac sign is relevant. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
9. If I get the chance, I read my daily horoscope. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
10. A person’s future has everything to do with their zodiac sign. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
11. Astrology makes it possible to predict people’s futures. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
12. There is likely to be a relation between a person’s zodiac sign and their behavior. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
13. The way I relate to other people depends on my zodiac sign. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
14. A person’s mood depends on their zodiac sign. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
15. If you wish to understand someone’s personality, their zodiac sign is of great relevance. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
16. It is essential that you know the zodiac sign of your partner. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
17. Everybody should know their zodiac sign. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
18. Astrology-based predictions are usually right. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
19. The relation between a person’s mood and their zodiac isn’t pure fantasy. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
20. Nothing to do with astrology bores me. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
21. A person’s zodiac sign determines how they behave. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
22. It isn’t absurd to assume that heavenly bodies affect people. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
23. Heavenly bodies can have a negative effect on some people. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
24. You can predict what a person is like if you know their zodiac. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
These silly questions are focused on sun-sign astrology and newspaper daily horoscope columns. Often the wording is vague or ambiguous. For example, #8 knowing someone’s zodiac sign is relevant? It doesn’t specify “relevant to” what? If you are doing astrological research, it is highly relevant. Some questions refer to “their zodiac” — does this mean zodiac sun-sign or the entire birth chart? Is there a relationship between zodiac signs and behavior? Several scientific studies find t that the season of birth can affect a person’s personality and behavior. Can heavenly bodies have positive or negative effects on people? What about people who die of sunstroke, or whose seasonal depression is lifted if they spend time in a sunny climate? Clearly, these questions were written by someone who has never studied astrology and knows little about it.
The only justifiable conclusion of this Lund University questionnaire is that narcissistic women of somewhat less than average intelligence, aged 25-35, are more likely than the average social media user to spend the time completing a questionnaire about astrology on Facebook. Even the authors of the article state that “the sample is not generalisable to a broader population,” but the media has presented the findings as if they were generalizable to the entire population.
Anthony Louis - Astrology & Tarot Blog 
As Rob Hand said, real scientists are too busy doing science, only second rate hacks waste time attacking Astrology.
thanks anthony.. i do find it especially interesting how this article is coming out of a group in lund university in sweden where martin gansten also works and has a strong association… i wonder just what, if any, the connection is??
https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/martin-gansten
Hi James, thanks for the information. Having worked in academia for many years, I have noticed a strong bias against astrology by people who have never studied the subject and know almost nothing about it. At the same time, other academics who knew of my interest in astrology would secretly ask me to look at their charts. The position of those who attack astrology appears to be less based on science and more based on a kind of religious fervor. True believers among the anti-astrology group feel that their worldview is the only true one, much like fundamentalist religious groups in the world today, and they remain intolerant and openly hostile toward anyone who challenges their rigid belief system.
thanks… i agree and share your observations… unfortunately a type of fanaticism drives a lot of ideology, and that would include astrology as well, in spite of the fact i am an advocate for astrology.. finding a balance is always difficult… fanatics have no interest in finding any type of balance, perhaps because they have very little objectivity on their own bias and attachments.. keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your work here in a format where i can throw in my 2cs… i do enjoy and value interaction with others who have different perspectives…
Thank you, James.
I have been studying and practicing serious astrology for over forty years. I have personally experienced the disbelief of both my relatives and some long time friends concerning my interest in the matter. They seem to feel very sorry for me for having wasted so much of my time and intellect in the pursuit of a superstition.
I don’t have an answer for them. The bias against astrology is indeed very deep, reaching a taboo status with some. I can hardly mention the subject or a have a dispassionate conversation about it. There is a sense of shame attached to the ‘belief’ in astrology, mainly from people who know nothing about it.
It is a sad state of affairs, but in a world sad in so many other ways, it is not perhaps surprising. I can live with it now that I am older. It was difficult when I was younger and seeking approval everywhere.
I admire your work and your generosity in sharing your knowledge. Thanks again
I meant Anthony …