Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to explore through qualitative methodology the practice of visiting shrines, a religious
practice indigenous to Turkish Muslims, and its potential mental health benefits. Thirteen individuals were interviewed at
two shrines in Istanbul, Turkey. The researchers focused on visitors’ presenting issues, beliefs regarding the practice, the
mental health benefits of the visit, and the behaviors that the visitors engaged in during their visit. The data were analyzed
using the Consensual Qualitative Research method. Five domains emerged from the data: (i) degree of religiosity and duties, (ii) knowledge and beliefs about shrines, (iii) purpose of visits, (iv) activities during the visit, and (v) experience and impact of the visit. The findings were discussed based on the mental health benefits of visiting shrines and the counseling and cultural implications.
practice indigenous to Turkish Muslims, and its potential mental health benefits. Thirteen individuals were interviewed at
two shrines in Istanbul, Turkey. The researchers focused on visitors’ presenting issues, beliefs regarding the practice, the
mental health benefits of the visit, and the behaviors that the visitors engaged in during their visit. The data were analyzed
using the Consensual Qualitative Research method. Five domains emerged from the data: (i) degree of religiosity and duties, (ii) knowledge and beliefs about shrines, (iii) purpose of visits, (iv) activities during the visit, and (v) experience and impact of the visit. The findings were discussed based on the mental health benefits of visiting shrines and the counseling and cultural implications.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- Pages 1-17
- DOI 10.1007/s10447-012-9162-8
- Authors
- Deniz Canel-Çınarbaş, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Ayşe Çiftçi, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Gökçe Bulgan, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Journal International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
- Online ISSN 1573-3246
- Print ISSN 0165-0653