BELIEF IN PARANORMAL DETERMINISM AS A SOURCE OF PREJUDICE TOWARD DISADVANTAGED GROUPS: “THE DARK SIDE OF STARS”

Abstract

In previous research and theory dealing with prejudice, the role of belief in a paranormal determinism of human personality and behavior has been relatively overlooked. Two studies (N = 371) tested the impact of belief in astrology on prejudice toward significant stigmatized groups in France (i.e., Arabs, women, and overweight people). Results of the first study reveal that belief in astrology is a significant predictor of prejudice toward stigmatized groups. In addition, results of the second study suggest that attribution of ethnic outgroups' disadvantages to internal causes mediates the effect of belief in astrology on ethnic prejudice. Implications of these results are discussed.