Fixating on the future: An overview of increased astrology use
Abstract
Background: Interest in astrology has surged recently, possibly due to the uncertain conditions in the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While belief in astrology is common and socially legitimized in many cultures, a few instances of excessive engagement with astrological services or “fortune-telling addiction” are indicating a risk of adverse mental health consequences. Aim: To understand the existing research base on correlates of belief in astrology and fortune-telling. Method: We have carried out a scoping review to synthesize the available literature base on belief in astrology and to review the evidence for “fortune-telling addiction” using Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. Databases of PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO, and SCOPUS were searched for relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Results: The search findings revealed the association of belief in astrology with cognitive, personality, and psychological factors such as thinking style, self-concept verification, and stress. Case studies on “fortune-telling addiction” have conceptualized it as a possible behavioral addiction and have reported symptoms such as distress, cravings, and salience. Conclusions: However, further research on the condition along with its psychosocial determinants is necessary for the development of preventative and curative intervention efforts.
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Still being checked.
- Authors
- Das, A., Sharma, M. K., Kashyap, H., & Gupta, S.
- Affiliations
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IN)
- Corresponding author
- Sharma, Manoj Kumar
- Venue
- International Journal of Social Psychiatry
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2022-05-05
- Volume
- 68
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 925-932
- ISSN
- 0020-7640 (ISSN-L)
- 1741-2854
- OpenAlex
- W4228997768
- Cited by
- 11
- References
- 27
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 3
- FWCI
- 0.34
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Social Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (acceptedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices
- Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
- Keywords
- behavioral addiction, thinking styles, stress, psychosocial factors, COVID-19 pandemic, mental health outcomes
- MeSH terms
- COVID-19, Astrology, Humans, Mental Health, Behavior, Addictive, Pandemics
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