Psychological study reveals impact of the Camino on mental health

The article analyzes how doing the Camino de Santiago positively influences mental health, based on studies such as the Ultreya Project that show significant improvements in psychological well-being, reduction of emotional distress, stress, and life satisfaction after completing the route, even compared to traditional vacations. It highlights testimonies from pilgrims and scientific evidence that support the idea that pilgrimage can be a transformative experience for the mind and emotions.

We all know that doing the Camino is not just good, but something exceptional. It is beneficial for the body and, above all, for the mind. This is revealed by a recent study conducted under the name of Proyecto Ultreya, and its scientific results confirm what we already knew: the Camino de Santiago is an extraordinarily positive experience for psychological well-being. Let us delve deeper into what this psychological study conducted by experts tells us about the impact of the Camino de Santiago on our mental health.

The benefits of hiking in your daily life improve your physical and mental health

The objectives, method, and sample to be researched

The objectives of this study, as shown on the website of the Proyecto Ultreya, are twofold: to evaluate the changes associated with the pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago regarding various measures of mental health and psychological well-being on one hand, and on the other, to compare the short-term effects of the pilgrimage with those of a "standard" vacation (without pilgrimage).

The method employed is a questionnaire with different questions, starting, of course, with personal data such as age, marital status, education level, country, etc., although it is an anonymous questionnaire. It is a longitudinal observational study with 3 evaluations over time: pre-camino, post-camino, and follow-up after three months. The study began in July 2017 and concluded in January 2020. Of course, to conduct the study, the selfless participation of hundreds of pilgrims with different profiles was required.

Many pilgrims choose to do the Camino as a mental cure

Thus, the study, led by Doctor in Health Psychology Albert Feliu Soler from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, had a sample of 444 pilgrims for the general study, as well as 100 non-pilgrim tourists for a comparative study of the psychological benefits generated by regular vacations and pilgrimage vacations.

The results are clear: the Camino heals

Indeed, on the main page of the website, you can see the results, as well as the sample and the majority profile of the surveyed pilgrims, of whom 48% completed the French Way. As a general result, three variables are of interest: emotional distress, stress, and life satisfaction. The study reveals that pilgrimage translates into a very positive psychological impact, as significant improvements were observed in all the studied variables, both after completing the Camino and three months later.

Walking for hours has more benefits than you can imagine

Moreover, the participants in the study who walked the Camino de Santiago, compared to those who enjoyed "standard" non-pilgrimage vacations, showed undoubtedly superior improvements in most of the evaluated variables.

In short, you should walk the Camino

Indeed, dear reader, it is not just us saying this, but Science says it: pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago generates short- and medium-term benefits in many variables of mental health and psychological well-being, and much more than if you go on vacation to the beach or to something other than the Jacobean routes. Furthermore, and something we know for sure, many of the pilgrims who walk the Camino de Santiago comment upon returning home that it has been a "therapeutic" experience, and these results provide scientific evidence for this impression.

As we have already done, you can participate in the study; it will be a good excuse to walk the Camino de Santiago soon. We guarantee it, along with Science: the Camino de Santiago is not only excellent for your psychological well-being, it can even change your life, and we know many cases of pilgrims who can attest to this. We encourage you to experience it, as well as all the positive impact you will enjoy on a psychological level in your life, which is good for you and for everyone around you.