Developing a multidimensional scale of healing tourism experiences based on a mixed methods approach

This paper develops a scale to measure the healing tourism experiences, drawing on grounded theory and extant relevant literature. In Study 1, 30 in-depth interviews with purposive sampling were conducted to establish a conceptual model comprising four dimensions: anticipated healing, embodied healing, interactive healing, and reminiscence healing. Study 2 applied multivariate statistical analyses to refine the scale, and based on 280 valid questionnaires, developed a 13-item instrument representing the four dimensions. Study 3 further tested the validity and applicability of the scale using data from Study 2, confirming its reliability and predictive power. Study 4 was subsequently conducted to validate the model’s predictive utility by testing the relationship between healing tourism experiences and tourists’ willingness to revisit, thereby confirming the criterion-related validity of the scale. The findings contribute both theoretically and practically: the scale offers a robust measurement standard for scholars to investigate the healing tourism experiences in greater depth, and it provides a theoretical reference for practitioners seeking to evaluate and enhance the restorative value of tourism products and services.