A Unitary Caring Theory Perspective of Labyrinth Walking Research

Abstract

The purpose of this narrative review of labyrinth walking research literature was to identify its experiences and potential health benefits and to conceptualize the labyrinth walking experience within Smith’s (2020) unitary caring theory. A total of 29 research studies from a 2022 annotated bibliography of 160 publications on labyrinth related research were selected for analysis. The findings coalesced around four themes. Labyrinth walking is an experience of irenic requiescence; expanding awareness; transforming potentials; and connecting to the beyond. A process of interpretive theorizing was used to interpret each theme from the perspective of the concepts within the theory of unitary caring.