Why does zeno the stoic hold his breath? "Zenoism" as a new variable for studying suicide

Omega (Westport). 2007;56(4):369-400. doi: 10.2190/om.56.4.e.

Abstract

A single misfortune may be seen as just that, or may be interpreted as Zeno the Stoic did, as a "sign" of cosmic proportion (zenoizing), which paradoxically provides a missing meaning structure. This article presents two studies testing out this new variable (zenoism): in Study One (n = 233), we explore the moderating effects of religiosity and gender on zenoism, depression, demoralization, and suicidality. In Study Two (n = 137), we explore these same moderating effects on zenoism, fear of dependency, value of life, and favorability toward physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Results indicate: 1) men and non-religious respondents (especially men) zenoize more than women and religious respondents; 2) non-religious respondents, (especially men) are more generally favorable to PAS and more suicidal; 3) Zenoism is negatively related to depression, demoralization, and value of life for non-religious respondents, and for men; 4) Zenoism is positively related to favorability toward PAS toward one's self and overall suicidality; and finally 5) general and self-specific favorability toward PAS are distinct, but both relate to overall suicidality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Christianity
  • Culture*
  • Dependency, Psychological
  • Depression / psychology
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Philosophy*
  • Religion and Psychology*
  • Sex Factors
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Suicide, Assisted / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Value of Life