6 Spirituality Studies 11-2 Fall 2025 2016). For instance, Birnie et al. (2010) found that MBSR effectively increased participants’ mindfulness levels. Furthermore, the results showed an increase in self-compassion and spiritual well-being. These studies address the relationship between mindfulness and spiritual well-being as a single component, but none address these constructs separately. Phan et al. (2020) suggested that mindfulness is meaningful and purposive, reflecting an individual’s personality, temperament, and, more crucially, a state of mind, emphasizing two beliefs: (1) experiencing a present state, reflecting personal contentment, and clear focus may help to encourage an internal state of ease, clarity, and calmness; (2) in the true sense of experiencing mindfulness, different meaningful outcomes may be generated, such as improvement in personal functioning (e.g., performance in a subject matter), positive emotions (e.g., happiness), and weakening negative emotions (e.g., anxiety). Considering its complexity, the authors proposed a multifaceted model of mindfulness consisting of three components: (1) psychological (e.g., relaxation, self-awareness, non-judgment), (2) philosophical (e.g., rationality, ultimate reality), and (3) spiritual (e.g., present moment, harmony, self-actualization). Some evidence suggests that mindfulness could be effective for spiritual development. For instance, Lazaridou and Pentaris (2016) indicate that spirituality is an experience of mindfulness, while mindfulness is a practice of the spiritual. Following these authors, spirituality involves experiencing subjectively and individually; thus, the individual becomes mindful through their spiritual outlook. Both concepts, spirituality and mindfulness, concern the spirit, soul, mind, and consciousness, considering the interconnection and the support of history, as mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist traditions. Another study suggests that meditation acts as a catalyst for the spiritual growth of individuals (Boatsi and Dwarika 2024). The spiritual component could be regarded as an integral part of mindfulness, as it reflects the attitude of presence in the experience of the present moment. Consistent with the previous discussion, the following hypotheses are offered: H1. Mindfulness positively influences tourism well-being. H2. Mindfulness positively influences spirituality. 2.2 Spirituality Weaver et al. (2006) suggested that despite the arguments around the linkages between religion and spirituality, there is a common understanding that the two concepts are different but still interconnected. Koenig (1988) suggests religion as separate from spirituality; therefore, those two can be addressed separately. Mindfulness has shown somewhat promising results regarding its linkage with spirituality and well-being. A few studies approached spiritual well-being as a single component, defining it as a sense of satisfaction that comes from an individual’s inner self and is directly associated with their quality of life (Moaven 2020). For instance, a study revealed that the presence of spiritual facilities enhances the tourist’s satisfaction (Koburtay 2021). Although, there is a need to investigate the relationship between the two concepts separately. The relationship between spirituality and well-being has been studied in different contexts, but research on this topic in tourism literature is scarce. Tourism is a dynamic and systematic activity that allows tourists to evolve and renovate what they desire (Hamid et al. 2021). One of the goals that can motivate tourists is to travel to restore health and enhance well-being (Gan et al. 2023). According to Cloninger (2009), an individual’s perspective is transformed by creating an awareness of an inseparable involvement in a universal unity of being, which can lead to increased well-being. Considering this perspective, individuals need to grow an awareness of what is meaningful and pleasing in their lives to be satisfied with life. In this sense, mindfulness may assist in developing awareness abilities, which will develop spirituality levels, leading to increased well-being. Although much scholarly attention has been paid to the relationship between tourism and religion, particularly in the context of pilgrimage and religious tourism, it is argued that the broader spiritual dimension of tourism remains under-researched (Sharpley and Sundaram 2005). Consistent with this suggestion and the foregoing discussion, the following hypotheses are offered: H3. Spirituality positively influences tourism well-being. H4. Spirituality positively mediates the influence of mindfulness on tourism well-being.
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