Mindfulness, Spirituality, and Awe as Predictors of Psychological Well-Being in Camping Experiences

Abstract

Research on the effects of recreational experiences on individuals’ mindfulness, spirituality, awe, and psychological well-being has increased substantially in recent years. However, empirical studies examining the relationships among these constructs remain limited, particularly within the context of nature-based camping experiences. Accordingly, the primary purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of mindfulness, spirituality, and awe on the psychological well-being of individuals who engage in camping activities in natural settings. The secondary aim is to examine the mediating roles of spirituality and awe in the relationship between mindfulness and psychological well-being within the camping context. Data were collected from 301 individuals with prior camping experience using convenience and snowball sampling methods. Established and psychometrically validated scales measuring mindfulness, spirituality, awe, and psychological well-being were adapted for the camping-experience context. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the measurement model, and the results indicated satisfactory model fit, as well as adequate validity and reliability. Following the CFA, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed research model and hypothesized relationships. The results showed that five of the six direct hypotheses were supported. In addition, mediation analyses demonstrated that spirituality and awe mediated the relationships between mindfulness and psychological well-being, and between spirituality and psychological well-being. These findings extend the literature on mindfulness, spirituality, awe, and psychological well-being to the underexplored context of camping experiences and offer practical implications for enhancing individual well-being and for informing the design of nature-based recreational environments.