Camino de Santiago in Late Modernity: Fostering Self-Actualization Through Pilgrimage

Abstract

While late-modern society promotes individual self-actualization, its moral dimension often falters in a calculating environment. Pilgrimages offer a potential solution. Through peak experiences and self-transcendence, pilgrims reconnect with their inner moral compass, fostering morally valid self-actualization. Amid late modernity, reflective individuals emerge, navigating moral choices within societal norms while pursuing self-actualization.This study affirms the Camino de Santiago's role in promoting self-actualization, as conceptualized in humanistic psychology. A survey of 500 participants, employing Kaufman's (2018) Characteristics of Self-Actualization Scale (CSAS), validates the pilgrimage's impact. Pilgrims reported heightened levels of appreciation, equanimity, self-acceptance, reality perception, authenticity, and a fortified moral compass. The pilgrimage nurtures the recognition of life missions, instills a sense of responsibility, and cultivates a desire to contribute to humanity's well-being while facilitating experiences of self-transcendence. Our research suggests that the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage can benefit organizations by fostering an authentic and self-actualized workforce comprising leaders and followers.