The purpose of this study was to examine a single labyrinth experience among college students using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Students enrolled in a health course were introduced to the basics of walking the outdoor campus labyrinth. All students walked the labyrinth as a part of the required coursework and were asked to voluntarily participate in the research study. Following the walk, students completed the Labyrinth Questionnaire, which included an open-ended question about their experience.
Of the 184 volunteers, 57.6% were female, 85.3% indicated this was their first labyrinth walk and 73.0% provided written comments about their experience.
From the qualitative analysis, six categories of comments emerged: Feelings, Thoughts, Metaphors, Description of Experience, Future walks, and Questions. Students identified specific feelings they experienced during the labyrinth walk: relaxed, calm, peaceful, happy, less stressed, motivated, excited, focused, and centered. The quantitative analysis indicated students reported feeling more or much peaceful (60.7%), relaxed (59.4%), reflective (40.4%), and centered (34.2%), while also reporting feeling less or much less stressed (61.4%), agitated (59.1%), and anxious (51.5%). A single labyrinth walk can reduce stress and anxiety, while increasing feelings of peacefulness and relaxation. Other themes were feelings of focus, centered, and reflective. The labyrinth may be an important way for students to not only find a calming break from their busy lives, but also develop the focus needed for course assignments.