The Western origins of mindfulness therapy in ancient Rome.
Andrea E. Cavanna, Giulia Purpura, Anna Riva, Renata Nacinovich, Stefano Seri
Neurological Sciences June 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06651-w (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cognitive behavioural therapy Neuropsychiatry Stoicism |
| Key points | Argues that Stoic philosophy is a direct philosophical precursor to cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions, and that awareness of this influence can improve implementation of evidence-based neuropsychiatric treatment guidelines. |
Abstract
Stoic philosophy has multiple parallels with cognitive behavioural therapy interventions. In their ancient texts, the Roman Stoics present a set of theoretical principles and behavioural strategies that are directly relevant to the clinical care of patients with a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions. Mindfulness is a key component of the 'third wave' of modern psychotherapy that closely resembles the ancient Stoic practice of attention or 'concentration on the present moment'. Stoic mindfulness draws attention to one of the main principles driving both Stoicism and modern psychotherapy: the assumption that cognitive activity (reasoning) mediates emotions and behaviours. This principle can be traced back to Epictetus' Enchiridion, where he recognises that 'men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things'. It has been shown that cognitive behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based interventions directed at patients with neuropsychiatric disorders were originally developed as Stoic-inspired treatment interventions. Both Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck (the founders of rational emotive behaviour therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, respectively) explicitly acknowledged the role of Stoicism as the philosophical precursor of their treatment approaches. The effective implementation of evidence-based guidelines would benefit from an increased awareness of the influence of the Stoic tradition of philosophical therapy on the treatment approaches currently in use in neuropsychiatry.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mechanisms of mindfulness | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness | 2012 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Discussion on the Application of Mindfulness Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review Psychology Research and Behavior Management August 1, 2025
- “Live the Present Moment!”—Developing the 100-I-K Scale to Examine the Relationship Between Mindfulness and Stoic Attitude Mindfulness November 1, 2024
- Detached self-observation as a developmental catalyst: theoretical insights from dynamical systems thinking, cultural mediation, and contemplative practice. Frontiers in Psychology October 2, 2025
- Seneca Meets the Buddha: The Relationship Between Buddhist and Stoic Mindfulness Mindfulness June 3, 2026
- Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Physical and Psychological Well-Being of Young Adults. Health Education & Behavior February 1, 2026
Cites 27
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- Mindfulness-based stress reduction in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review BMC Neurology May 15, 2017
- Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials Annals of Palliative Medicine July 1, 2021
and 22 more in the library