Hetherington, Kate (2015) The Camino de Santiago and Wellbeing: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Pilgrimage Experiences of Australian Women. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Pilgrimage is a phenomenon that is continuing to grow in popularity, with millions of people from almost every known religion and region worldwide participating each year. Of the known pilgrimage routes worldwide, the Camino de Santiago is documented to be particularly popular, with approximately 200,000 people visiting in 2013 alone. Although motivations for this particular pilgrimage vary, a common component is the idea that the pilgrimage journey may be beneficial to the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing of participants. However, the literature surrounding the motivations for and therapeutic benefits of pilgrimage has primarily been focused in areas of anthropology, geography, sociology, and theology, with the field of psychology remaining largely silent. This study therefore aimed to examine the pilgrimage experiences of Australian women, in order to investigate motivations for pilgrimage, and the contribution of pilgrimage to wellbeing both during and after the journey. The interviews of five women were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The semi-structured interview items were based on previous pilgrimage research, and adapted for use within an Australian context via the utilisation of a wellbeing construct. The analysis produced 4 themes of (a) locus of control, (b) connection and appreciation, (c) simplicity, and (d) the grief experience, contributing to the notion that pilgrimage leads to improved biopsychosocial and spiritual wellbeing. The limitations of the study were explored and implications of pilgrimage were addressed. Additionally, recommendations for future research were provided.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Heather Warfield |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Aug 2025 00:35 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Aug 2025 00:35 |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52407 |
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