Pilgrimage denotes a profound spiritual journey that cultivates personal transformation, resilience, and psychological well-being. Previous studies have explored the psychological effects of pilgrimage. However, the specific mechanisms through which these spiritual experiences foster enduring happiness still remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate how spiritual well-being enhances the joy of pilgrimage through the lens of eudaimonic well-being, drawing on the self-determination theory (SDT) and the principles of eudaimonic psychology. The study argues that spiritual well-being acts as a fundamental resource, enabling pilgrims to navigate various challenges on their journey (e.g., physical hardship and introspection), achieve self-actualisation, and ultimately experience deep existential satisfaction. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to survey 152 Arbaeen pilgrims. The results indicated that spiritual well-being significantly influenced eudaimonic well-being, which in turn enhanced the joy derived from pilgrimage. The findings suggested that fulfilment associated with pilgrimage was not merely a fleeting emotional response but a deeply rooted psychological state arising from personal transformation, meaning-making, and spiritual elevation. This study contributes to the literature on religious tourism, positive psychology, and spirituality by highlighting the transformative power of pilgrimage as a pathway to human flourishing. It also provides both theoretical and practical frameworks for researchers, policymakers, and mental health practitioners seeking to understand and promote the psychological benefits of spiritual experiences.

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