The therapeutic value of pilgrimage: a grounded theory study

The purpose of this constructivist grounded theory study was to explore the therapeutic value of pilgrimage journeys. Ten participants representing diverse pilgrimage experiences were interviewed about their particular journeys. The interview protocol was based on previous pilgrimage scholarship, psychological theory, and extrapolated data from the participants. The interview transcripts were coded and analysed by three independent coders. After the establishment and validation of the initial, focused, axial, and theoretical codes, the investigators posited an emerging grounded theory that pilgrimage is therapeutic in biological, psychological, social, and spiritual ways.