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

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