“Live the Present Moment!”—Developing the 100-I-K Scale to Examine the Relationship Between Mindfulness and Stoic Attitude

A strong positive correlation exists between mindfulness and Stoic attitudes, with coefficients of 0.65 and 0.63 in two measurements taken two weeks apart. A weak but statistically significant relationship was found between scores on a newly developed 100-item questionnaire (the 100-I-K) and understanding of Stoicism ideology (r = 0.19 and 0.21). Stoic attitude also correlated weakly and negatively with subjective declarations of adopting Stoic attitudes (r = -0.19 and -0.18). The results suggest similarities between Eastern mindfulness and Western Stoic traditions, and the relationship remains stable over time. The 100-I-K questionnaire shows potential for assessing overall Stoic attitude but requires further development.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to analyze the relationship between mindfulness and Stoic attitudes by exploring their unexamined similarities. Moreover, it sought to develop a new tool for assessing Stoic attitudes with a broader scope than previous measures. Method A total of 437 individuals participated in the initial survey, and 347 were re-surveyed after 2 weeks. Participants completed the newly developed 100-I-K questionnaire and an additional scale to measure mindfulness. The follow-up sample completed the 100-I-K scale, Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, Pathak-Wieten Stoicism Ideology Scale, and a control question. The participants were recruited through an online Computer Assisted Web Interviewing survey panel as a representative sample. Results A strong positive correlation was found between mindfulness and Stoic attitude in both the first ( r = 0.65) and second ( r = 0.63) measurements. A weak, yet statistically significant relationship was observed between 100-I-K scores and understanding of the Stoicism ideology in the first measurement ( r = 0.19) and follow-up sample ( r = 0.21). Moreover, Stoic attitude correlated with subjective declarations of adopting Stoic attitudes ( r = − 0.19 and r = − 0.18 in both samples). Conclusions The results confirmed the relationship between Stoic attitudes and mindfulness, suggesting similarities between Eastern and Western traditions. The 100-I-K questionnaire needs further development; however, it demonstrated the potential to assess the overall Stoic attitude. The relationship between mindfulness and Stoic attitudes remains stable over time. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.