Measuring Stoic Self-Regulation: Theoretical Development of a Model and Conceptual Foundations for a Future Scale

Abstract

Self-regulation is widely regarded as a central prerequisite for psychological stability and adaptive functioning under stress. While constructs such as resilience, self-control, and emotion regulation have been extensively examined in psychological research, an integrated theoretical framework describing the specific form of inner regulation grounded in Stoic principles remains lacking. The present paper develops a theoretical model of Stoic self-regulation and discusses its potential psychological structure. Drawing on primary Stoic sources as well as contemporary psychological models of self-regulation, Stoic self-regulation is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct involving the conscious focus on controllable aspects of action, cognitive distancing abilities, acceptance of external uncontrollability, value-oriented behaviour, and emotional stability under pressure. Based on this theoretical structure, an initial conceptual item pool for future psychometric operationalization is proposed. In addition, potential empirical validation strategies are discussed, and possible distinctions from related constructs such as resilience, self-control, and psychological flexibility are analysed. This paper is explicitly intended as a theoretical-conceptual contribution at the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and stress research. Its aim is not the empirical validation of a scale, but the development of a coherent theoretical framework for future research on Stoic self-regulation.