Wise Exertion: Associating Stoic Thought with Stress, Well-Being, and Life Satisfaction in Physicians

Recognition of how physicians contemplate and approach their activities, positive or negative, may shed light into a more holistic depiction of physician well-being. The purpose of this work was to develop items to measure wise cognitive exertion, constructed with Stoic thought, and determine its association with physician stress, well-being, and life satisfaction. A survey was sent to physicians and university staff members. This pilot investigation found a relationship among focusing on a purposeful life, acknowledging locus of control, avoiding wasteful cognition, and taking (good or bad) life experiences for personal growth and superior life satisfaction, well-being and lower stress. A 13-Item Wise Exertion Scale was developed and had significant associations with stress, well-being, and life satisfaction. Each of the four factors from the 13-Item Wise Exertion Scale were significantly associated with each measure with the exception of Control Consciousness and life satisfaction. Within physicians (N = 59), the 13-Item Wise Exertion Scale was a significant predictor, after adjusting for demographics with stress, well-being, and life satisfaction. Physicians had significantly lower 13-Item Wise Exertion Scale scores compared to non-physicians (N = 126). Future inquiries are required to determine if physicians with a mindset assembled with these beliefs have superior well-being.