Travel as Adjunct Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: ZMET Analysis of Positive Effects

This study, leveraging positive psychology and ZMET (Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique), explores travel experiences as an adjunct therapy for major depressive disorder outpatients. Analyzing cases with positive outcomes, the research identifies key therapeutic themes: sensory stimuli (particularly taste unique or spicy food, contrasting with visually-dominated sensory interventions), social interaction, exhaustion and catharsis (through controlled physical exertion, distincting from hedonic tourism experiences), and personal autonomy. These themes address existential needs, foster belonging, facilitate emotional release and regulation, and promote personal growth – ultimately enhancing connection, mastery, and self-regulation in individuals with major depressive disorder outpatients. The study uniquely highlights the therapeutic roles of sensory stimuli and exhaustion/catharsis, while confirming the importance of social interaction and autonomy. These findings support the potential of travel as a valuable adjunct therapy, offering novel pathways to positive psychological outcomes inmajor depressive disorder outpatients treatment.