Why Does Zeno the Stoic Hold his Breath? “Zenoism” as a new Variable for Studying Suicide

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 this new variable. Study One explored the moderating effects of religiosity & gender on zenoism, depression, demoralization, & suicidality. Study Two, explored these same moderating effects on zenoism, fear of dependency, value of life, & favourability toward physician-assisted suicide. (38 refs.)