Leane, Sheena (2017) Stepping Out: An Exploratory Study into Australian Long Distance Walkers. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Physical activity is known to improve mental health through social connectedness and belonging. More specifically, there is evidence that long distance walking is a dynamic process influenced by both of the aforementioned constructs. Studies on long distance walking thus far have found that this type of physical activity is known to elicit positive psychological emotions, reduce stress, and enhance personal well-being leading to selfgrowth. However, little is known about the experiences of Australians undertaking long distance walking journeys. The aim of this study was to provide detailed accounts of those experiences, especially focusing on how walkers are connected to and how they experience belongingness and connectedness. Interviews were conducted with five Australians who regularly participated in long distance walking journeys. For this exploratory investigation the walking journeys were: (a) Coast to Coast; (b) The Way; (c) Nakasendo Trail; (d) Queen Charlotte Pass; and, (e) Milford Track. The study was conducted as a phenomenological exploration, with face-to-face semi-structured interviews of approximately 40 minutes duration. The study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), which produced three themes: (a) the experiences of long distance walking; (b) group leadership; and, (c) belongingness and connectedness. Such findings may be used to inform the discipline of psychology on the experiences of long distance walking and the need for individuals to belong.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| 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: | 20 Aug 2025 01:00 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Aug 2025 01:00 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | long distance walking, walking groups, connectedness, belongingness, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis |
| 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/52494 |
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