People who consult astrologers: A profile

The aim of the study was to examine the characteristics of people who consult astrologers. Questionnaires were given out by two astrologers to their clients and 67 (approx. 45%) were returned. The demographic data of these consultees were then compared with population data obtained from the census and personality and attitudinal data were compared with those of a control group. Among the consultees there was an over representation of females, people between the ages of 30 and 39, people who were maritally marginal (never-married persons over the age of 30) and people who were either Jewish, atheist/agnostic or of a non-judeochristian faith. The consultees were also relatively well educated. With regard to the personality and attitudinal variables, these were regressed on group membership in order to control for common variance. The variable which explained the most variance was stress. This was followed by a measure of political control and then a measure of religiosity. No significant differences were found between the groups on the measures of anxiety and self control. After discussing all the results it was concluded that, in many cases, consulting an astrologer is a response by an individual to the stresses with which he or she is faced and that these stresses are mainly linked to the individual's social roles and to his or her relationships. Furthermore, it is suggested that these stresses arise partially as a result of the person's lack of social skills.