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Misunderstood Stoicism: The negative Association Between Stoic Ideology and well-Being

Author

Listed:
  • Johannes Alfons Karl

    (Victoria University of Wellington
    Dublin City University)

  • Paul Verhaeghen

    (Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta)

  • Shelley N. Aikman

    (University of North Georgia)

  • Stian Solem

    (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

  • Espen R. Lassen

    (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

  • Ronald Fischer

    (Victoria University of Wellington
    Instituto D’Or de Pesquisa e Ensino)

Abstract

Ancient philosophy proposed a wide range of possible approaches to life which may enhance well-being. Stoic philosophy has influenced various therapeutic traditions. Individuals today may adopt an approach to life representing a naive Stoic Ideology, which nevertheless reflects a misinterpretation of stoic philosophy. How do these interpretations affect well-being and meaning in life? We examine the differential effects of Stoic Ideology on eudaimonic versus hedonic well-being across three cultural contexts. In this pre-registered study, across samples in New Zealand (N = 636), Norway (N = 290), and the US (N = 381) we found that a) Stoic Ideology can be measured across all three contexts and b) Converging evidence that Stoic Ideology was negatively related to both hedonic well-being and eudaimonic well-being. Focusing on specific relationships, we found especially pronounced effects for Taciturnity (the desire to not express emotions) and Serenity (the desire to feel less emotions). Despite being a misinterpretation of stoic philosophy, these findings highlight the important role of individuals’ orientations to emotional processing for well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes Alfons Karl & Paul Verhaeghen & Shelley N. Aikman & Stian Solem & Espen R. Lassen & Ronald Fischer, 2022. "Misunderstood Stoicism: The negative Association Between Stoic Ideology and well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(7), pages 3531-3547, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:23:y:2022:i:7:d:10.1007_s10902-022-00563-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00563-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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