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Rojczyk P, Seitz-Holland J, Heller C, Marcolini S, Marshall AD, Sydnor VJ, Kaufmann E, Jung LB, Bonke EM, Berger L, Umminger LF, Wiegand TLT, Cho KIK, Rathi Y, Bouix S, Pasternak O, Hinds SR, Fortier CB, Salat D, Milberg WP, Shenton ME, Koerte IK. Posttraumatic survivor guilt is associated with white matter microstructure alterations. J Affect Disord 2024; 361:768-777. [PMID: 38897303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly experience posttraumatic guilt. Guilt over commission or omission evolves when responsibility is assumed for an unfortunate outcome (e.g., the death of a fellow combatant). Survivor guilt is a state of intense emotional distress experienced by the weight of knowing that one survived while others did not. METHODS This study of the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) analyzed structural and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data from 132 male Iraq/Afghanistan veterans with PTSD. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV (CAPS-IV) was employed to classify guilt. Thirty (22.7 %) veterans experienced guilt over acts of commission or omission, 34 (25.8 %) experienced survivor guilt, and 68 (51.5 %) had no posttraumatic guilt. White matter microstructure (fractional anisotropy, FA), cortical thickness, and cortical volume were compared between veterans with guilt over acts of commission or omission, veterans with survivor guilt, and veterans without guilt. RESULTS Veterans with survivor guilt had significantly lower white matter FA compared to veterans who did not experience guilt (p < .001), affecting several regions of major white matter fiber bundles. There were no significant differences in white matter FA, cortical thickness, or volumes between veterans with guilt over acts of commission or omission and veterans without guilt (p > .050). LIMITATIONS This cross-sectional study with exclusively male veterans precludes inferences of causality between the studied variables and generalizability to the larger veteran population that includes women. CONCLUSION Survivor guilt may be a particularly impactful form of posttraumatic guilt that requires specific treatment efforts targeting brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philine Rojczyk
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Seitz-Holland
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carina Heller
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Jena, Germany; Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Partner Site Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Jena, Germany
| | - Sofia Marcolini
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Amy D Marshall
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Valerie J Sydnor
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elisabeth Kaufmann
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonard B Jung
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Elena M Bonke
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Luisa Berger
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa F Umminger
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim L T Wiegand
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Kang Ik K Cho
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yogesh Rathi
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sylvain Bouix
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Software Engineering and Information Technology, École de technologie supérieure, Université du Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sidney R Hinds
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Catherine B Fortier
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Salat
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Neuroimaging Research for Veterans (NeRVe) Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William P Milberg
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Neuroimaging Research for Veterans (NeRVe) Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha E Shenton
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton, MA, USA
| | - Inga K Koerte
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton, MA, USA; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
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Cenkner DP, Held P, Zalta AK. A latent profile analysis of moral emotions following moral transgressions. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1754-1766. [PMID: 38581701 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Moral transgressions (MTs), events that violate one's moral code, are associated with the moral emotions of guilt and shame. However, there may be different patterns by which people experience guilt and shame that affect distress following MTs. METHOD Undergraduates (N = 1371) exposed to an MT completed self-report assessments. This study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to examine profiles based on guilt cognitions, internalized shame, and distress in relation to a reported MT. Cognitive flexibility, years since the MT, and deliberate and intrusive rumination were examined as variables to determine how these factors predicted profile membership. RESULTS Results from the LPA revealed a three-profile solution: a low moral distress profile (n = 1002), a moderate moral distress profile (n = 262), and a shame prominent profile (n = 107). Results indicated that higher levels of deliberate and intrusive rumination and lower levels of cognitive flexibility significantly increased the likelihood of belonging to the moderate moral distress or shame prominent profiles compared to the low moral distress profile. Higher levels of intrusive rumination and lower levels of cognitive flexibility also significantly increased the likelihood of belonging to the shame prominent profile over the moderate distress profile. CONCLUSION Three different profiles emerged, with the shame prominent profile being driven primarily by internalized shame. Results suggest that intrusive rumination and cognitive inflexibility are risk factors to experiencing adverse responses to MTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Cenkner
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Philip Held
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alyson K Zalta
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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Ganesh SS, Joyner KB, Samra S, Bluthenthal RN, Schneberk TW. " Even Though the System Had Failed Him His Entire Life, We Were Failing Him Yet Again": How Clinical, Welfare, and Penal Medicine Interact to Drive Health Inequities and Medical Moral Injury. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1354. [PMID: 38998888 PMCID: PMC11241473 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12131354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Adam, a justice-involved young man, was brought into the emergency department at the county hospital in cardiogenic shock due to a recurring episode of injection-drug-use-related infective endocarditis (IDU-IE). Adam had initiated injection opioid use in prison. He was surgically treated for the previous episodes of IDU-IE but was unable to fully recover due to limitations in care within penal medicine. This case report explores the prison as a determinant of health, interactions between clinical, welfare, and penal medicine, to produce and maintain health inequities, and structural drivers of physician moral injury through an interview with Adam and reflexive writings from emergency medicine physicians. This case demonstrates the need for three types of structural health interventions: (1) restorative justice, community-based reentry programs, and housing as welfare medicine, (2) increased harm reduction services across healthcare, especially penal medicine, and (3) equitable institutional protocols (contrary to ambiguous guidelines) to treat clinical conditions like IDU-IE that disproportionately impact structurally vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhi S Ganesh
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Kyle B Joyner
- Los Angeles General Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Shamsher Samra
- Department of Emergency Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Todd W Schneberk
- Los Angeles General Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Scoglio AAJ, Stelson EA, Becene I, Marquez CI, Rich-Edwards JW. A mixed-methods analysis of moral injury among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304620. [PMID: 38959222 PMCID: PMC11221684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers faced grave responsibilities amidst rapidly changing policies and material and staffing shortages. Moral injury, psychological distress following events where actions transgress moral beliefs/ expectations, increased among healthcare workers. We used a sequential mixed methods approach to examine workplace and contextual factors related to moral injury early in the pandemic. Using a Total Worker Health® framework, we 1) examined factors associated with moral injury among active healthcare professionals (N = 14,145) surveyed between May-August 2020 and 2) qualitatively analyzed open-ended responses from 95 randomly selected participants who endorsed moral injury on the survey. Compared to inpatient hospital, outpatient (OR = 0.74 [0.65, 0.85]) or school clinic settings (OR = 0.37 [0.18, 0.75]) were associated with lower odds of moral injury; while group care settings increased odds (OR = 1.36 [1.07, 1.74]). Working with COVID+ patients (confirmed+ OR = 1.27 [1.03, 1.55]), PPE inadequacy (OR = 1.54 [1.27, 1.87]), and greater role conflict (OR = 1.57 [1.53, 1.62]) were associated with greater odds of moral injury. Qualitative findings illustrate how outside factors as well as organizational policies and working conditions influenced moral injury. Moral injury experiences affected staff turnover and patient care, potentially producing additional morally injurious effects. Worker- and patient-centered organizational policies are needed to prevent moral injury among healthcare workers. The generalizability of these findings may be limited by our predominantly white and female sample. Further research is indicated to replicate these findings in minoritized samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle A. J. Scoglio
- Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth A. Stelson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Iris Becene
- Department of Medicine, Division of Women’s Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Camille Ianne Marquez
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Janet W. Rich-Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Women’s Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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5
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Beadle ES, Walecka A, Sangam AV, Moorhouse J, Winter M, Munro Wild H, Trivedi D, Casarin A. Triggers and factors associated with moral distress and moral injury in health and social care workers: A systematic review of qualitative studies. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303013. [PMID: 38935754 PMCID: PMC11210881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE At some point in their career, many healthcare workers will experience psychological distress associated with being unable to take morally or ethically correct action, as it aligns with their own values; a phenomenon known as moral distress. Similarly, there are increasing reports of healthcare workers experiencing long-term mental and psychological pain, alongside internal dissonance, known as moral injury. This review examined the triggers and factors associated with moral distress and injury in Health and Social Care Workers (HSCW) employed across a range of clinical settings with the aim of understanding how to mitigate the effects of moral distress and identify potential preventative interventions. METHODS A systematic review was conducted and reported according to recommendations from Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Searches were conducted and updated regularly until January 2024 on 2 main databases (CENTRAL, PubMed) and three specialist databases (Scopus, CINAHL, PsycArticles), alongside hand searches of study registration databases and other systematic reviews reference lists. Eligible studies included a HSCW sample, explored moral distress/injury as a main aim, and were written in English or Italian. Verbatim quotes were extracted, and article quality was assessed via the CASP toolkit. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and arrange codes into themes. Specific factors like culture and diversity were explored, and the effects of exceptional circumstances like the pandemic. RESULTS Fifty-one reports of 49 studies were included in the review. Causes and triggers were categorised under three domains: individual, social, and organisational. At the individual level, patients' care options, professionals' beliefs, locus of control, task planning, and the ability to make decisions based on experience, were indicated as elements that can cause or trigger moral distress. In addition, and relevant to the CoVID-19 pandemic, was use/access to personal protection resources. The social or relational factors were linked to the responsibility for advocating for and communication with patients and families, and professionals own support network. At organisational levels, hierarchy, regulations, support, workload, culture, and resources (staff and equipment) were identified as elements that can affect professionals' moral comfort. Patients' care, morals/beliefs/standards, advocacy role and culture of context were the most referenced elements. Data on cultural differences and diversity were not sufficient to make assumptions. Lack of resources and rapid policy changes have emerged as key triggers related to the pandemic. This suggests that those responsible for policy decisions should be mindful of the potential impact on staff of sudden and top-down change. CONCLUSION This review indicates that causes and triggers of moral injury are multifactorial and largely influenced by the context and constraints within which professionals work. Moral distress is linked to the duty and responsibility of care, and professionals' disposition to prioritise the wellbeing of patients. If the organisational values and regulations are in contrast with individuals' beliefs, repercussions on professionals' wellbeing and retention are to be expected. Organisational strategies to mitigate against moral distress, or the longer-term sequalae of moral injury, should address the individual, social, and organisational elements identified in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S. Beadle
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Amy V. Sangam
- Intensive Care Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matthew Winter
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Munro Wild
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Daksha Trivedi
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, School of Health and Social Work, The University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Casarin
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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Tao H, Anderson G, Harris S, Sawyer A, Bailey A, Robinson P. Development and validation of the Moral Injury Symptom Scale - Clinician Version - Short Form (MISS-CV-SF). Contemp Nurse 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38885130 DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2024.2366915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral injury occurs when one witnesses or perpetrates an act that transgresses strongly held moral beliefs and expectations. First documented among active military and veterans, moral injury is increasingly studied in healthcare personnel impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Measurement of moral injury among this population, particularly nurses, is still in its infancy. OBJECTIVE To develop the Moral Injury Symptom Scale - Clinician-Short Form and validate it among United States based acute care nurses. . METHODS The Moral Injury Symptom Scale - Military Version was modified for a healthcare audience. 174 acute care nurses responded to a survey package including the scale and related instruments. Reliability and validity, including convergent and discriminant validities, were assessed, and a cutoff score was calculated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS Reliability (Cronbach α = .75) and validity were established and a cutoff score of 41, based on functional impairment caused by moral injury, demonstrated 86.4% sensitivity and 69.6% specificity. Nurses who screened positive for moral injury experienced higher depression, anxiety, work exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization. . CONCLUSIONS The Moral Injury Symptom Scale - Clinician Version - Short Form is a valid and reliable instrument with strong psychometric properties that can assess moral injury in acute care nurses, a population at risk due to the challenges of providing care during the pandemic. Appropriate measurement and establishing prevalence should prompt support and intervention from healthcare organizations. .
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Baillie Abidi C, Patten S, Houle SA, Hoffer K, Reeves K, Bélanger S, Nazarov A, Wells S. Canadian Armed Forces Veterans' Perspectives on the Effects of Exposure to Children in Armed Conflict During Military Service: Protocol for a Qualitative Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e57146. [PMID: 38874998 PMCID: PMC11214030 DOI: 10.2196/57146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mental health of military personnel has garnered increased attention over the last few decades; however, the impacts of perpetuating, observing, or failing to prevent acts that transgress deeply held moral standards, referred to as moral injuries, are less understood, particularly in relation to encounters with children during deployment. This paper describes a multiphased research protocol that centers around the lived experiences of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans to understand how encounters with children during military deployments impact the well-being and mental health of military personnel. OBJECTIVE This study has four objectives: (1) highlight the lived experiences of CAF Veterans who encountered children during military deployments; (2) improve understanding of the nature of experiences that military personnel faced that related to observing or engaging with children during military service; (3) improve understanding of the mental health impacts of encountering children during military service; and (4) use participatory action research (PAR) to develop recommendations for improving preparation, training, and support for military personnel deployed to contexts where encounters with children are likely. METHODS The research project has 2 main phases where phase 1 includes qualitative interviews with CAF Veterans who encountered children during military deployments and phase 2 uses PAR to actively engage Canadian Veterans with lived experiences of encountering children during military deployments, as well as health professionals and researchers to identify recommendations to better address the mental health effects of these encounters. RESULTS As of January 26, 2024, a total of 55 participants and research partners have participated in the 2 phases of the research project. A total of 16 CAF Veterans participated in phase 1 (qualitative interviews), and 39 CAF Veterans, health professionals, and researchers participated in phase 2 (PAR). The results for phase 1 have been finalized and are accepted for publication. Data collection and analysis are ongoing for phase 2. CONCLUSIONS Prioritizing and valuing the experiences of CAF Veterans has deepened our understanding of the intricate nature and impacts of potentially morally injurious events involving children during military deployments. Together with health professionals and researchers, the PAR approach empowers CAF Veterans to articulate important recommendations for developing and improving training and mental health support. This support is crucial not only during the deployment cycle but also throughout the military career, helping lessen the effects of moral injury among military personnel. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/57146.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - San Patten
- Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace & Security, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stephanie A Houle
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre at Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ken Hoffer
- Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace & Security, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kathryn Reeves
- Department of Child & Youth Study, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Bélanger
- Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony Nazarov
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre at Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha Wells
- Center for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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8
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Levy A, Gross ML. From active duty to activism: how moral injury and combat trauma drive political activism and societal reintegration among Israeli veterans. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1336406. [PMID: 38932767 PMCID: PMC11200126 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1336406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Trigger warning This article deals with combat experiences and their consequences and could be potentially disturbing. Introduction Moral injury (MI) is a severe form of combat trauma that shatters soldiers' moral bearings as the result of killing in war. Among the myriad ways that moral injury affects veterans' reintegration into civilian life, its impact on political and societal reintegration remains largely unstudied but crucial for personal, community, and national health. Methods 13 in-depth interviews examine combat soldiers' exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) that include killing enemy combatants, harming civilians, and betrayal by commanders, the military system, and society. Interviewees also described their political activities (e.g., voting, fundraising, advocacy, protest) and social activism (e.g., volunteering, teaching, charitable work). Interviewees also completed the Moral Injury Symptom Scale. Results Two distinct narratives process PMIEs. In a humanitarian narrative, soldiers hold themselves or their in-group morally responsible for perpetrating, witnessing, or failing to prevent a morally transgressive act such as killing or injuring civilians or placing others at unnecessary risk. In contrast, a national security perspective blames an out-group for leaving soldiers with no choice but to act in ways that trigger moral distress. Associated with shame and guilt, the humanitarian perspective triggered amends-making and social activism after discharge. In contrast, a national security perspective associated with anger and frustration fostered protest and intense political activism. Discussion Despite its harmful health effects, moral trauma and injury can drive intense political and social activism, depending upon the narrative veterans adopt to interpret PMIEs. Aside from moral injury's personal, familial, and social effects, moral injury drives veterans' return to the political arena of civil society. As such, veterans play a central role in politics and dramatically affect post-war policy in democratic nations following conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Levy
- Department of Jewish Studies and Political Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
- Israel Institute and Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Michael L. Gross
- School of Political Science, The University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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9
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Adams SW, Layne CM, Contractor AA, Allwood MA, Armour C, Inslicht SS, Maguen S. The Middle-Out Approach to reconceptualizing, assessing, and analyzing traumatic stress reactions. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:433-447. [PMID: 38049964 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Alternative models of traumatic stress and broader psychopathology have been proposed to address issues of heterogeneity, comorbidity, clinical utility, and equitable representation. However, systematic and practical methods and guidelines to organize and apply these models remain scarce. The Middle-Out Approach is a novel, integrative, contextually informed framework for organizing and applying existing empirical methods to evaluate current and alternative traumatic stress reactions. Rather than beginning to identify traumatic stress reactions from the top-down (i.e., disorder-first approach) or bottom-up (i.e., symptom-first approach), constructs are evaluated from the middle out (i.e., presentation-first approach), unconstrained by higher-order disorders or lower-order diagnostic symptoms. This approach provides innovation over previous methods at multiple levels, including the conceptualization of traumatic stress reactions as well as the type of assessments and data sources used and how they are used in statistical analyses. Conceptualizations prioritize the identification of middle-order phenotypes, representing person-centered clinical presentations, which are informed by the integration of multidimensional, transdiagnostic, and multimodal (e.g., psychosocial, physiological) assessments and/or data sources. Integrated data are then analyzed concurrently using person-centered statistical models to identify precise, discrete, and representative health outcomes within broader heterogeneous samples. Subsequent variable-centered analyses are then used to identify culturally sensitive and contextually informed correlates of phenotypes, their clinical utility, and the differential composition within and between broader traumatic stress reactions. Examples from the moral injury literature are used to illustrate practical applications that may increase clinical utility and the accurate representation of health outcomes for diverse individuals and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane W Adams
- Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA San Francisco Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christopher M Layne
- College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | | | - Maureen A Allwood
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice-City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chérie Armour
- School of Psychology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Sabra S Inslicht
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Mental Health Service, VA San Francisco Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shira Maguen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Mental Health Service, VA San Francisco Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
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10
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Williamson V, Murphy D, Bonson A, Biscoe N, Leightley D, Aldridge V, Greenberg N. Restore and Rebuild (R&R): a protocol for a phase 2, randomised control trial to compare R&R as a treatment for moral injury-related mental health difficulties in UK military veterans to treatment as usual. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082562. [PMID: 38754887 PMCID: PMC11097824 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to potentially morally injurious events is increasingly recognised as a concern across a range of occupational groups, including UK military veterans. Moral injury-related mental health difficulties can be challenging for clinicians to treat and there is currently no validated treatment available for UK veterans. We developed Restore and Rebuild (R&R) as a treatment for UK veterans struggling with moral injury-related mental health difficulties. This trial aims to examine whether it is feasible to conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of R&R treatment compared with a treatment-as-usual (TAU) control group. METHODS We will use a feasibility single-blind, single-site RCT design. The target population will be UK military veterans with moral injury-related mental health difficulties. We will recruit N=46 veteran patients who will be randomly allocated to R&R (n=23) or TAU (n=23). Patients randomised to R&R will receive the 20-session one-to-one treatment, delivered online. Veterans allocated to TAU, as there are currently no manualised treatments for moral injury-related mental health problems available, will receive the one-to-one treatment (online) typically provided to veterans who enter the mental health service for moral injury-related mental health difficulties. We will collect outcome measures of moral injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol misuse, common mental disorders and trauma memory at pretreatment baseline (before randomisation), end of treatment, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-treatment. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients who screen positive for PTSD and moral injury-related distress post-treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial will establish whether R&R is feasible, well-tolerated and beneficial treatment for veterans with moral injury-related mental health difficulties. If so, the results of the trial will be widely disseminated and R&R may improve access to effective care for those who struggle following moral injury and reduce the associated negative consequences for veterans, their families and wider society. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN99573523.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Williamson
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dominic Murphy
- King's College London, London, UK
- Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
| | - Amanda Bonson
- King's College London, London, UK
- Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
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11
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Griffin BJ, Norman SB, Weber MC, Hinkson KD, Jendro AM, Pyne JM, Worthington EL, Maguen S. Properties of the modified self-forgiveness dual-process scale in populations at risk for moral injury. Stress Health 2024:e3413. [PMID: 38730552 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite theory suggesting that self-forgiveness facilitates recovery from moral injury, no measure of self-forgiveness has been validated with individuals exposed to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Military veterans, healthcare workers, and first responders who reported PMIE exposure (n = 924) completed the Self-Forgiveness Dual-Process Scale, which assesses two dimensions of the self-forgiveness process. The first dimension, value affirmation, refers to appraising personal responsibility and being willing to make amends for one's involvement in a PMIE. The second dimension, esteem restoration, refers to accepting oneself as valuable and capable of growth despite one's failures and imperfections. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses replicated the original scale's two-factor structure in 10 items modified to apply to the diverse contexts in which PMIEs occur. Next, we found that the factor structure, item loadings, and item intercepts were fully or partially invariant across professions, genders, races, ages, and religious affiliations in a series of Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses. Finally, diverging patterns of associations between value affirmation and esteem restoration with moral distress, posttraumatic stress, depression, insomnia, functional impairment, and posttraumatic growth provide evidence of convergent and discriminant validity between the subscales. The modified self-forgiveness dual process scale is the first measure of self-forgiveness to be validated with individuals exposed to a PMIE. Researchers and clinicians can use the scale to examine how self-forgiveness (or difficulties with forgiving oneself) relates to moral injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Griffin
- Central Arkansas VA Health Care System, Center for Mental Health Care & Outcomes Research, North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Psychiatric Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Sonya B Norman
- National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Marcela C Weber
- Central Arkansas VA Health Care System, Center for Mental Health Care & Outcomes Research, North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Psychiatric Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kent D Hinkson
- Central Arkansas VA Health Care System, Center for Mental Health Care & Outcomes Research, North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Psychiatric Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Ashlyn M Jendro
- Central Arkansas VA Health Care System, Center for Mental Health Care & Outcomes Research, North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Pyne
- Central Arkansas VA Health Care System, Center for Mental Health Care & Outcomes Research, North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Psychiatric Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | | | - Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
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12
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Nemiroff S, Blanco I, Burton W, Fishman A, Joo P, Meholli M, Karasz A. Moral injury and the hidden curriculum in medical school: comparing the experiences of students underrepresented in medicine (URMs) and non-URMs. ADVANCES IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION : THEORY AND PRACTICE 2024; 29:371-387. [PMID: 37382857 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-023-10259-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Underrepresented students in medicine (URM) have more negative perceptions of the medical school learning environment (LE), a phenomenon that can contribute to higher rates of burnout and attrition in these populations. The hidden curriculum (HC)-defined as a set of values informally conveyed to learners through clinical role-modeling-is a LE socialization construct that has been critically examined for its role in shaping students' professional identities. Yet differences in how URMs and non-URMs experience the HC remain underexplored. The study used a pragmatic approach that drew on elements of grounded theory and employed both deductive and inductive reasoning. Investigators conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 13 URM and 21 non-URM participants at a Bronx, NY medical school. Interviews examined student experiences and reactions to the HC. Both cohorts witnessed patient disparagement and mistreatment. However, from these encounters, URM participants expressed more moral injury-the adverse emotional consequence of feeling pressured to accept ideologically incongruent values. URMs were also more likely to describe resisting the HC. Differences in group reactions appeared to arise from URMs' identity resonance with patients' lived experiences. Participants across cohorts emphasized increasing URM recruitment as one step toward mitigating these circumstances. URM participants experienced more distress and offered more resistance to the HC relative to non-URMs. The etiology of these differential reactions may stem from relative barriers in negotiating personal and professional identities. As such, URMs' perceptions of the LE may be adversely impacted given their more negative interactions with the HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Nemiroff
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
- Mount Sinai Morningside-West, New York City, USA.
| | - Irene Blanco
- Medicine-Rheumatology, Clinical Research Ethics & Equity Consultative Service (CREEC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William Burton
- Assessment, Evaluation and Quality Improvement in the Office of Medical Education, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ariel Fishman
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Pablo Joo
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Mimoza Meholli
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alison Karasz
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Chan Medical School, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA
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13
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Elbasheir A, Fulton TM, Choucair KC, Lathan EC, Spivey BN, Guelfo A, Carter SE, Powers A, Fani N. Moral injury, race-related stress and post-traumatic stress disorder in a trauma-exposed Black population. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:326-332. [PMID: 38574596 PMCID: PMC11140589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Race-related stress (RRS) is an unrecognized source of moral injury (MI)-or the emotional and/or spiritual suffering that may emerge after exposure to events that violate deeply held beliefs. Additionally, MI has not been explored as a mechanism of risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma-exposed civilians. We examined relations among exposure to potentially morally injurious events (moral injury exposure, MIE), related distress (moral injury distress, MID), and RRS in Black Americans. Potential indirect associations between RRS and PTSD symptoms via MID were also examined. METHODS Black Americans (n = 228; 90.4% female; Mage = 31.6 years. SDage = 12.8 years) recruited from an ongoing study of trauma completed measures assessing civilian MIE and MID, RRS, and PTSD. Bivariate correlations were conducted with MIE and MID, and mediation analysis with MID, to examine the role of MI in the relationship between RRS and PTSD symptom severity. RESULTS MIE was significantly correlated with cultural (r = 0.27), individual (r = 0.29), and institutional (r = 0.25) RRS; MID also correlated with cultural (r = 0.31), individual (r = 0.31), and institutional (r = 0.26) RRS (ps < 0.001). We found an indirect effect of RRS on PTSD symptoms via MID (β = 0.10, p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS All types of RRS were associated with facets of MI, which mediated the relationship between RRS and current PTSD symptoms. MI may be a potential mechanism through which RRS increases the risk for PTSD in Black individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Elbasheir
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA; Neuroscience PhD Program, Emory University, USA
| | - Travis M Fulton
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA; Molecular and Systems Pharmacology PhD Program, Emory University, USA
| | - Khaled C Choucair
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA
| | - Emma C Lathan
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA
| | | | - Alfonsina Guelfo
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA
| | | | - Abigail Powers
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA
| | - Negar Fani
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA.
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14
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Kline AC, Harlé KM, Panza KE, Nichter B, Lyons R, Pitts M, Haller M, Allard CB, Capone C, Norman SB. Changes in guilt cognitions mediate the effect of trauma-informed guilt reduction therapy on PTSD and depression outcomes. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1147-1160. [PMID: 38340354 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trauma-informed guilt reduction therapy (TrIGR), a six-session cognitive behavioral therapy targeting trauma-related guilt and distress, reduces guilt and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, yet little is known regarding how and why TrIGR may be effective. METHOD This study examined treatment-related changes in avoidant coping and trauma-related guilt cognitions as possible mediators of treatment effects on PTSD and depression outcomes at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Data were from a randomized controlled trial for treatment of trauma-related guilt comparing TrIGR and supportive care therapy among 145 post-9/11 US veterans (Mage = 39.2 [8.1], 93.8% male). RESULTS At pretreatment, most (86%) met PTSD criteria. Intent to treat analyses using parallel mediation models indicated changes in guilt cognitions, but not avoidant coping, mediated the effect of TrIGR on reducing PTSD severity at 3-month (a × b = -0.15, p < 0.01, 95% CI: [-0.24 to -0.06], p = 0.001) and 6-month (a × b = -0.17, 95% CI: [-0.26 to -0.07], p = 0.001) follow-up. Similarly, changes in guilt cognitions, but not avoidant coping, mediated the effect of TrIGR on reducing depression severity at 3-month (a × b = -0.10, 95% CI: [-0.18 to -0.02], p = 0.02) and 6-month (a × b = -0.11, 95% CI: [-0.20 to -0.03], p = 0.01) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Compared to guilt cognitions, changes in avoidant coping were less integral to downstream PTSD and depression symptom reduction. Guilt cognition change may be a salient active ingredient of PTSD and depression treatment for those with trauma-related guilt and a key therapy element to which providers should be attuned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Kline
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Katia M Harlé
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E Panza
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Robert Lyons
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Michelle Pitts
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Moira Haller
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Carolyn B Allard
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Christy Capone
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sonya B Norman
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
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15
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Bourassa KA, Rohr JC, Bartek N, Miller SM, Jones Wood S, Vasquez NN, Head J, Robert-Ibarra S, Moore K, Marder K, Freeland D, Matthews L, Weinstein BL, Madan A. A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing the Burnout Crisis Among US Health Care Workers: The Houston Methodist Experience. J Psychiatr Pract 2024; 30:192-199. [PMID: 38819243 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Health care workers experience high rates of burnout and psychiatric distress. A large health care system in the southwest United States developed a comprehensive mental health service model for employees. Services offered range from traditional benefits (eg, Employee Assistance Program), resiliency and well-being initiatives, and innovative technology solutions, to access to peer support services for professional practice issues. The latest innovation in services is a free, self-insured outpatient mental health clinic designed exclusively for health care workers and their dependents. In this article, the authors describe the development of expanded mental health programming for health care workers and discuss how this unique service model proactively reduces common barriers to the receipt of high-quality care. This approach to caring for the workforce may serve as a model for other health care organizations across the United States. By providing mental health support to employees, health care organizations are mitigating the risk of burnout and related consequences to the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelynn A Bourassa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | - Jessica C Rohr
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | - Nicole Bartek
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | - Susan M Miller
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | | | - Namrata N Vasquez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | - John Head
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Center for Performing Arts Medicine, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | | | - Kula Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | - Kate Marder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | - Diana Freeland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | - Laura Matthews
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Houston Methodist Physician Organization, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
| | | | - Alok Madan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Houston Methodist, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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16
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Harwood-Gross A, Nordstrand AE, Bøe HJ, Gjerstad CL. How do you see me? The impact of perceived societal recognition on PTSD symptoms amongst Norwegian peacekeepers. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2314442. [PMID: 38682255 PMCID: PMC11060006 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2314442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The peacekeeper role is different to that of traditional combat, however, peacekeepers, like combat soldiers, may also be exposed to high levels of dangerous and/or potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs).Objective: It was hypothesized that given the centrality of societal approval for the peacekeeping mission, in addition to the known relevance of perceived social support, perceived societal recognition would influence PTSD symptoms (PTSS) and depression. It was hypothesized that perceived societal recognition would moderate the effect of exposure to potentially traumatic events and PMIEs on psychological outcomes.Method: 8341, predominantly male, former UNIFIL peacekeepers, almost three decades following deployment, answered a survey to determine the impact of perceived social support and perceived societal recognition, on PTSS and depression symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed for PTSS and depression separately and moderation analysis was performed for perceived societal recognition.Results: Exposure to potentially traumatic events showed the greatest predictive value for PTSS and exposure to PMIEs and potentially traumatic events were equally predictive of depression symptoms. While perceived social support presented the strongest buffer for PTSS and depression symptoms following UNIFIL deployment, perceived societal recognition also significantly contributed to the prediction of both PTSS and depression symptoms. There was a weak moderation effect of perceived societal recognition on trauma type in the development of PTSS.Conclusions: Even decades following peacekeeping deployment, military experiences have a significant impact on psychological functioning. This impact is both from the types of events experienced and from the perception of social and societal support upon return home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Harwood-Gross
- METIV Israel Psychotrauma Center, Herzog Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces, Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans Jakob Bøe
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces, Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christer Lunde Gjerstad
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces, Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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17
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Bushuven S, Bentele M, Trifunovic-Koenig M, Gerber B, Bentele S, Hagen F, Schoeffski O, Marung H, Strametz R. Learning motivation and self-assessment in health economics: a survey on overconfidence in healthcare providers. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079319. [PMID: 38684267 PMCID: PMC11057277 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lifelong learning is the foundation for professionals to maintain competence and proficiency in several aspects of economy and medicine. Until now, there is no evidence of overconfidence (the belief to be better than others or tested) and clinical tribalism (the belief that one's own group outperforms others) in the specialty of health economics. We investigated the hypothesis of overconfidence effects and their relation to learning motivation and motivational patterns in healthcare providers regarding healthcare economics. METHODS We conducted a national convenience online survey of 116 healthcare workers recruited from social and personal networks to detect overconfidence effects and clinical tribalism and to assess learning motivation. Instruments included self-assessments for five learning dimensions (factual knowledge, skills, attitude, problem-solving and behaviour) and a four-item situational motivation scale. The analysis comprised paired t-tests, correlation analyses and two-step cluster analyses. RESULTS We detected overplacement, overestimation and signs of clinical tribalism. Responders in the physician subgroup rated themselves superior to colleagues and that their professional group was superior to other professions. Participants being educators in other competencies showed high overconfidence in health economics. We detected two groups of learners: overconfident but motivated persons and overconfident and unmotivated learners. Learning motivation did not correlate with overconfidence effects. DISCUSSION We could show the presence of overconfidence in health economics, which is consistent with studies in healthcare and the economy. The subjective perception of some medical educators, being role models to students and having a superior 'attitude' (eg, morality) concerning the economy may foster prejudice against economists as students might believe them. It also may aggravate moral distress and disrupts interactions between healthcare providers managers and leaders. Considering the study's limitations, lifelong interprofessional and reflective training and train-the-trainer programmes may be mandatory to address the effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bushuven
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Education, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Infection Control and Infection Prevention, Hegau-Jugendwerk Gailingen, Health Care Association District of Constance, Gailingen, Germany
| | - Michael Bentele
- Training Center for Emergency Medicine (NOTIS e.V.), Engen, Germany
- Institute for Anesthesiology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine and Pain Therapy, Hegau Bodensee Hospital Singen, Singen, Germany
| | - Milena Trifunovic-Koenig
- Training Center for Emergency Medicine (NOTIS e.V.), Engen, Germany
- Wiesbaden Institute for Healthcare Economics and Patient Safety, Wiesbaden Business School, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Bianka Gerber
- Training Center for Emergency Medicine (NOTIS e.V.), Engen, Germany
- Institute for Anesthesiology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine and Pain Therapy, Hegau Bodensee Hospital Singen, Singen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bentele
- Training Center for Emergency Medicine (NOTIS e.V.), Engen, Germany
- Department for Emergency Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Fritz Hagen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Paramedic and Fire Academy, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Schoeffski
- Chair of Health Management, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Hartwig Marung
- Department Health Sciences, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Strametz
- Wiesbaden Institute for Healthcare Economics and Patient Safety, Wiesbaden Business School, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden, Germany
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18
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Maguen S, Griffin BJ, Pietrzak RH, McLean CP, Hamblen JL, Norman SB. Using the Moral Injury and Distress Scale to identify clinically meaningful moral injury. J Trauma Stress 2024. [PMID: 38655683 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite the proliferation of moral injury studies, a remaining gap is distinguishing moral injury from normative distress following exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Our goal was to leverage mental health and functional measures to identify clinically meaningful and functionally impairing moral injury using the Moral Injury and Distress Scale (MIDS). Participants who endorsed PMIE exposure (N = 645) were drawn from a population-based sample of military veterans, health care workers, and first responders. Using signal detection methods, we identified the optimally efficient MIDS score for detecting clinically significant posttraumatic stress and depressive symptom severity, trauma-related guilt, and functional impairment. The most efficient cut scores across outcomes converged between 24 and 27. We recommend a cut score of 27 given that roughly 70% of participants who screened positive on the MIDS at this threshold reported clinically significant mental health symptoms, and approximately 50% reported severe trauma-related guilt and/or functional impairment. Overall, 10.2% of respondents exposed to a PMIE screened positive for moral injury at this threshold, particularly those who identified as a member of a minoritized racial or ethnic group (17.9%) relative to those who identified as White, non-Hispanic (8.0%), aOR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.45, 4.42]. This is the first known study to establish a cut score indicative of clinically meaningful and impairing moral injury. Such scores may enhance clinicians' abilities to conduct measurement-based moral injury care by enabling them to identify individuals at risk of negative outcomes and better understand risk and protective factors for moral injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Maguen
- Mental Health Services, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Brandon J Griffin
- Center for Mental Health Care and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas VA, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Carmen P McLean
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD, Menlo Park, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jessica L Hamblen
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Executive Division, National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| | - Sonya B Norman
- Executive Division, National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
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Houle SA, Ashbaugh AR. Predictors of negative moral appraisals and their association with symptoms of post-traumatic stress and depression in the context of COVID-19 related stressors. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3296. [PMID: 37526521 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Research on moral injury (MI) suggests that negative moral appraisals of stressful events can impact mental health in high-stakes occupational contexts (e.g., military). Few studies have examined these associations in the general population, limiting the generalisability of findings. Furthermore, factors that may predispose an individual to adverse outcomes in the context of moral stressors remain largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to (1) explore the applicability of the MI construct to stressors experienced by the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) explore how trait differences in sense of duty, religiosity/spirituality, anxiety sensitivity, and guilt, shame, and anger, predict negative moral appraisals of COVID-19 stressors. Participants (n = 355) completed an online survey assessing exposure to and appraisals of COVID-19 stressors, mental health symptoms, and dispositional characteristics (i.e., trait emotions, anxiety sensitivity, sense of duty, religiosity/spirituality). Path analysis revealed specific indirect associations between self-based moral appraisals and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression through guilt, and between both self- and other-based moral appraisals and PTSD and depression through anger. Number of COVID-19 stressors had no influence on associations. Sense of duty, reparative guilt, and anxiety sensitivity best predicted negative moral appraisals. Findings partially support the applicability of the MI construct outside the occupational context.
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Zerach G, Levinstein Y, Levi-Belz Y. Longitudinal associations between exposure to potentially morally injurious events and suicidal ideation among recently discharged veterans - The mediating roles of depression and loneliness. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:689-697. [PMID: 38224741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) during military service is associated with heightened suicidal ideation (SI). However, no longitudinal study has established temporal associations between these variables and examined the possible mediating roles of depression and loneliness in this effect. METHODS Participants were 374 active-duty Israeli combatants who participated in a five-year longitudinal study with four measurement points: T1- one year before enlistment, T2- one month before discharge from army service, and then again six months and twelve months following their discharge (T3 and T4, respectively). Data were assessed through semi-structured interviews and validated self-report questionnaires. RESULTS Above and beyond pre-enlistment personal characteristics (T1) and combat exposure (T2), PMIEs-'betrayal' (T2) predicted more frequent SI over the past twelve months (T4) through the mediation of depression. Moreover, both PMIEs-'betrayal' and 'self' (T2) predicted more frequent SI over the past twelve months (T4) through the mediation of loneliness. LIMITATIONS We used self-report measures to assess PMIEs and SI, which may suffer from various biases. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are the first to provide evidence of longitudinal, temporal associations between exposure to PMIEs and SI. Notably, potential interventions might consider addressing the loneliness experienced following exposure to PMIEs during military service, among recently discharged traumatized veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gadi Zerach
- Dept. of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
| | - Yoav Levinstein
- Dept. of Health and Well-being, Medical Corps, IDF, School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yossi Levi-Belz
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
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21
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Wilson MA, Shay A, Harris JI, Faller N, Usset TJ, Simmons A. Moral Distress and Moral Injury in Military Healthcare Clinicians: A Scoping Review. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100173. [PMID: 38304024 PMCID: PMC10832382 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare clinicians are often at risk of psychological distress due to the nature of their occupation. Military healthcare providers are at risk for additional psychological suffering related to unique moral and ethical situations encountered in military service. This scoping review identifies key characteristics of moral distress and moral injury and how these concepts relate to the military healthcare clinician who is both a care provider and service member. Methods A scoping review of moral distress and moral injury literature as relates to the military healthcare clinician was conducted on the basis of the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review framework. Databases searched included CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycInfo, 2 U.S. Defense Department sources, conference papers index, and dissertation abstracts. Reference lists of all identified reports and articles were searched for additional studies. Results A total of 573 articles, published between the years 2009 and 2021, were retrieved to include a portion of the COVID-19 pandemic period. One hundred articles met the inclusion criteria for the final full-text review and analysis. Discussion This scoping review identified moral distress and moral injury literature to examine similarities, differences, and overlaps in the defining characteristics of the concepts and the associated implications for patients, healthcare clinicians, and organizations. This review included the unfolding influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on moral experiences in health care and the blurring of those lines between civilian and military healthcare clinicians. Future directions of moral injury and moral distress research, practice, and care are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Wilson
- U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Dayton, Ohio
- College of Health, Education and Human Services Department of Nursing, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Amy Shay
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | - Timothy J. Usset
- Division of Health Policy & Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Angela Simmons
- Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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22
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Nichter B, Hill ML, Maguen S, Norman SB, Fischer IC, Pietrzak RH. Health and psychiatric impairment associated with moral injury, military sexual trauma, and their co-occurrence in U.S. combat veterans. J Psychosom Res 2024; 179:111617. [PMID: 38394711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military sexual trauma (MST) and moral injury (MI) are associated with adverse psychiatric and health outcomes among military veterans. However, no known population-based studies have examined the incremental burden associated with the co-occurrence of these experiences relative to either alone. METHOD Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a nationally representative sample of 1330 U.S. combat veterans. Veterans reported on history of exposure to MST and potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Analyses estimated the lifetime prevalence of MST only, PMIEs only, and co-occurring MST and PMIEs; and examined associations between MST/PMIEs status and psychiatric and physical health comorbidities, functioning, and suicidality. RESULTS The lifetime weighted prevalence of exposure to MST only, PMIEs only, and co-occurring MST and PMIEs were 2.7%, 32.3%, and 4.5%, respectively. Compared with all other groups, the co-occurring MST + PMIEs group reported greater severity of posttraumatic stress, depression, generalized anxiety, and insomnia symptoms. They also scored lower on measures of physical, mental, and psychosocial functioning, and reported a greater number of chronic medical conditions and somatic complaints. Veterans with co-occurring MST + PMIEs were more than twice as likely as those with MST only to report past-year suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS The co-occurrence of MST and MI is associated with a greater psychiatric and health burden among combat veterans than either experience alone. Results underscore the importance of assessing and treating MST and MI in this population. Findings underscore the importance for future work to parse overlap between morally salient aspects of MST and the concept of moral injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Nichter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America.
| | - Melanie L Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Sonya B Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, VT, United States of America
| | - Ian C Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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23
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Levi-Belz Y, Levinstein Y, Zerach G. The impact of moral injury on trajectories of depression: a five-year longitudinal study among recently discharged Israeli veterans. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38529565 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2024.2333374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perpetrating or witnessing acts that violate one's moral code are frequent among military personnel and active combatants. These events, termed potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), were found to be associated with an increased risk of depression, in cross-sectional studies. However, the longitudinal contribution of PMIEs to depression among combatants remains unclear. METHOD Participants were 374 active-duty combatants who participated in a longitudinal study with four measurement points: T1-one year before enlistment, T2-at discharge from army service, and then again 6- and 12-months following discharge (T3 and T4, respectively). At T1, personal characteristics assessed through semi-structured interviews. At T2-T4, PMIEs and depressive symptoms were assessed. RESULTS At discharge (T2), a total of 48.7% of combatants reported experiencing PMIEs incident, compared with 42.4% at T3 and 30.7% at T4. We found a significant interaction effect in which combatants endorsing PMIEs at discharge reported higher severity of depression symptoms at discharge (T2) than combatants who reported no PMIEs. This effect decreased over time as depression levels were lower at T3 and T4. CONCLUSIONS PMIE experiences, and especially PMIE-Betrayal experiences, were found to be valid predictors of higher severity of depression symptoms after the first year following discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Levi-Belz
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yoav Levinstein
- Department of Social Work, Bar -Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Health and Well-being, Medical Corps, IDF, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Gadi Zerach
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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24
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McNicholas F, Twohig A. Trauma and warfare and clinicians' role. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03124-4. [PMID: 38438556 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03124-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona McNicholas
- Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Lucena CAMHS, Dublin, Ireland.
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Aoife Twohig
- Children's Health Ireland, Temple St, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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25
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Hawkins C, Kealy D. Readiness and Personality Disorders: Considering Patients' Readiness for Change and Our System's Readiness for Patients. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2024; 32:70-75. [PMID: 38452287 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The culture around personality disorder treatment has changed drastically in the past generation. While once perceived as effectively untreatable, there are now numerous evidence-based treatment approaches for personality disorders (especially borderline personality disorder). The questions, however, of who should be matched to which treatment approach, and when, remain largely unanswered. In other areas of psychiatry, particularly substance use disorders and eating disorders, assessing patient treatment readiness is viewed as indispensable for treatment planning. Despite this, relatively little research has been done with respect to readiness and personality disorder treatment. In this article, we propose multiple explanations for why this may be the case, relating to both the unique features of personality disorders and the current cultural landscape around their treatment. While patients with personality disorders often face cruel stigmatization, and much more work needs to be done to expand access to care (i.e., our system's readiness for patients), even gold-standard treatment options are unlikely to work if a patient is not ready for treatment. Further study of readiness in the context of personality disorders could help more effectively match patients to the right treatment, at the right time. Such research could also aid development of strategies to enhance patient readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Hawkins
- From Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia (Drs. Hawkins and Kealy); Vancouver Coastal Health, British Columbia, CA (Dr. Hawkins)
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26
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Houle SA, Ein N, Gervasio J, Plouffe RA, Litz BT, Carleton RN, Hansen KT, Liu JJW, Ashbaugh AR, Callaghan W, Thompson MM, Easterbrook B, Smith-MacDonald L, Rodrigues S, Bélanger SAH, Bright K, Lanius RA, Baker C, Younger W, Bremault-Phillips S, Hosseiny F, Richardson JD, Nazarov A. Measuring moral distress and moral injury: A systematic review and content analysis of existing scales. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 108:102377. [PMID: 38218124 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral distress (MD) and moral injury (MI) are related constructs describing the negative consequences of morally challenging stressors. Despite growing support for the clinical relevance of these constructs, ongoing challenges regarding measurement quality risk limiting research and clinical advances. This study summarizes the nature, quality, and utility of existing MD and MI scales, and provides recommendations for future use. METHOD We identified psychometric studies describing the development or validation of MD or MI scales and extracted information on methodological and psychometric qualities. Content analyses identified specific outcomes measured by each scale. RESULTS We reviewed 77 studies representing 42 unique scales. The quality of psychometric approaches varied greatly across studies, and most failed to examine convergent and divergent validity. Content analyses indicated most scales measure exposures to potential moral stressors and outcomes together, with relatively few measuring only exposures (n = 3) or outcomes (n = 7). Scales using the term MD typically assess general distress. Scales using the term MI typically assess several specific outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Results show how the terms MD and MI are applied in research. Several scales were identified as appropriate for research and clinical use. Recommendations for the application, development, and validation of MD and MI scales are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Houle
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada; Research Directorate, Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Natalie Ein
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Julia Gervasio
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Rachel A Plouffe
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Brett T Litz
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University, Boston, USA; Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | | | - Kevin T Hansen
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Jenny J W Liu
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Canada
| | | | - Walter Callaghan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Bethany Easterbrook
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada; Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Sara Rodrigues
- The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | | | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Clara Baker
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - William Younger
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | | | | | - J Don Richardson
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Canada; St. Joseph's Operational Stress Injury Clinic, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Anthony Nazarov
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
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Boska RL, Bishop TM, Capron DW, Paxton Willing MM, Ashrafioun L. Difficulties with emotion regulation within PTSD clusters and moral injury subtypes. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38421375 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2024.2322904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Treatment and research centered on trauma-related mental health issues have largely focused on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, moral injury is another important mental health concern requiring attention. There is a paucity of research examining how PTSD and moral injury affect emotion regulation. The current investigation examined how PTSD clusters and moral injury subtypes were uniquely associated with difficulties with emotion regulation. Participants consisted of 253 previously deployed military personnel who were recruited online. To be included in the study, participants had to verify that they had served in the U.S. Military, had been deployed as part of their military service, and endorsed elevated levels of symptoms associated with PTSD and/or moral injury. A hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine the association between PTSD symptom clusters, moral injury subtypes, and difficulties with emotion regulation. Results indicated that alterations in arousal and reactivity was the only PTSD symptom cluster associated with difficulties with emotion regulation. Self-transgressions was the only facet of moral injury significantly associated with difficulties with emotion regulation. This is the first study to examine the association between emotion dysregulation, PTSD symptom clusters, and moral injury in previously deployed U.S. Military.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Boska
- The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, The VA New Jersey Healthcare System, East Orange, New Jersey
- VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, New York
| | - Todd M Bishop
- VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Daniel W Capron
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Maegan M Paxton Willing
- Center for Deployment Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lisham Ashrafioun
- VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, New York
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Levi-Belz Y, Ben-Yehuda A, Levinstein Y, Zerach G. Moral injury and pre-deployment personality factors as contributors to psychiatric symptomatology among combatants: a two-year prospective study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2312773. [PMID: 38334135 PMCID: PMC10860427 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2312773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Combatants who are exposed to events that transgress deeply held moral beliefs might face lasting psychopathological outcomes, referred to as Moral Injury (MI). However, knowledge about pre-deployment factors that might moderate the negative consequences of MI is sparse. In this prospective study, we examined pre-enlistment characteristics and pre-deployment personality factors as possible moderators in the link between exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) and psychiatric symptomatology among Israeli active-duty combatants.Methods: A sample of 335 active-duty Israeli combatants participated in a 2.5-year prospective study with three waves of measurements (T1: 12 months before enlistment, T2: Six months following enlistment - pre-deployment, and T3: 18 months following enlistment - post-deployment). Participants' characteristics were assessed via semi-structured interviews (T1) and validated self-report measures of personality factors: emotional regulation, impulsivity, and aggression (T2) and combat exposure, PMIEs, psychiatric symptomology and posttraumatic symptoms (T3) between 2019 and 2021.Results: Pre-enlistment psychiatric difficulties and negative life events contributed to higher exposure to PMIEs post-deployment. Higher levels of pre-deployment aggression and lower levels of emotional regulation and impulsivity moderated the association between betrayal, PMIEs and psychiatric symptomology post-deployment, above and beyond pre-enlistment psychiatric difficulties and life events.Conclusions: Our results highlight that pre-deployment emotional regulation, impulsivity and aggressiveness levels should be assessed, screened, and identified among combatants, as they all facilitate psychiatric symptomology (and PTSS) after combatants are exposed to PMIEs of betrayal. Such pre-assessment will enable the identification of at-risk combatants and might provide them with tailor-made preparation regarding moral and ethical situations that should be investigated in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Levi-Belz
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Ariel Ben-Yehuda
- Department of Health and Well-being, Medical Corps, IDF, Israel
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Clalit Health Services, Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | - Yoav Levinstein
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Clalit Health Services, Hod Hasharon, Israel
- School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Gadi Zerach
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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29
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Espinola CW, Nguyen B, Torres A, Sim W, Rueda A, Beavers L, Campbell DM, Jung H, Lou W, Kapralos B, Peter E, Dubrowski A, Krishnan S, Bhat V. Digital Interventions for Stress Among Frontline Health Care Workers: Results From a Pilot Feasibility Cohort Trial. JMIR Serious Games 2024; 12:e42813. [PMID: 38194247 PMCID: PMC10783335 DOI: 10.2196/42813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the mental health of health care workers, increasing the rates of stress, moral distress (MD), and moral injury (MI). Virtual reality (VR) is a useful tool for studying MD and MI because it can effectively elicit psychophysiological responses, is customizable, and permits the controlled study of participants in real time. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using an intervention comprising a VR scenario and an educational video to examine MD among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to use our mobile app for longitudinal monitoring of stress, MD, and MI after the intervention. METHODS We recruited 15 participants for a compound intervention consisting of a VR scenario followed by an educational video and a repetition of the VR scenario. The scenario portrayed a morally challenging situation related to a shortage of life-saving equipment. Physiological signals and scores of the Moral Injury Outcome Scale (MIOS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were collected. Participants underwent a debriefing session to provide their impressions of the intervention, and content analysis was performed on the sessions. Participants were also instructed to use a mobile app for 8 weeks after the intervention to monitor stress, MD, and mental health symptoms. We conducted Wilcoxon signed rank tests on the PSS and MIOS scores to investigate whether the VR scenario could induce stress and MD. We also evaluated user experience and the sense of presence after the intervention through semi-open-ended feedback and the Igroup Presence Questionnaire, respectively. Qualitative feedback was summarized and categorized to offer an experiential perspective. RESULTS All participants completed the intervention. Mean pre- and postintervention scores were respectively 10.4 (SD 9.9) and 13.5 (SD 9.1) for the MIOS and 17.3 (SD 7.5) and 19.1 (SD 8.1) for the PSS. Statistical analyses revealed no significant pre- to postintervention difference in the MIOS and PSS scores (P=.11 and P=.22, respectively), suggesting that the experiment did not acutely induce significant levels of stress or MD. However, content analysis revealed feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal, which relate to the experience of MD. On the basis of the Igroup Presence Questionnaire results, the VR scenario achieved an above-average degree of overall presence, spatial presence, and involvement, and slightly below-average realism. Of the 15 participants, 8 (53%) did not answer symptom surveys on the mobile app. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated VR to be a feasible method to simulate morally challenging situations and elicit genuine responses associated with MD with high acceptability and tolerability. Future research could better define the efficacy of VR in examining stress, MD, and MI both acutely and in the longer term. An improved participant strategy for mobile data capture is needed for future studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrails.gov NCT05001542; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05001542. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/32240.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline W Espinola
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Binh Nguyen
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrei Torres
- maxSIMhealth Group, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Walter Sim
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alice Rueda
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsay Beavers
- Allan Waters Family Simulation Program, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas M Campbell
- Allan Waters Family Simulation Program, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hyejung Jung
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Lou
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bill Kapralos
- maxSIMhealth Group, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Peter
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg, Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adam Dubrowski
- maxSIMhealth Group, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sridhar Krishnan
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Venkat Bhat
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Coimbra BM, Zylberstajn C, van Zuiden M, Hoeboer CM, Mello AF, Mello MF, Olff M. Moral injury and mental health among health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: meta-analysis. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2299659. [PMID: 38189775 PMCID: PMC10776063 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2299659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health-care workers (HCWs) may have been confronted with situations that may culminate in moral injury (MI). MI is the psychological distress that may result from perpetrating or witnessing actions that violate one's moral codes. Literature suggests that MI can be associated with mental health problems.Objective: We aimed to meta-analytically review the literature to investigate whether MI is associated with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidal ideation among active HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: We searched eight databases for studies conducted after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic up to 18 July 2023, and performed random-effects meta-analyses to examine the relationship between MI and various mental health outcomes.Results: We retrieved 33 studies from 13 countries, representing 31,849 individuals, and pooled 79 effect sizes. We found a positive association between MI and all investigated mental health problems (rs = .30-.41, all ps < .0001). Between-studies heterogeneity was significant. A higher percentage of nurses in the samples was associated with a stronger relationship between MI and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Samples with a higher percentage of HCWs providing direct care to patients with COVID-19 exhibited a smaller effect between MI and depressive and anxiety symptoms. We observed a stronger effect between MI and PTSD symptoms in US samples compared to non-US samples.Conclusion: We found that higher MI is moderately associated with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidal ideation among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings carry limitations due to the array of MI scales employed, several of which were not specifically designed for HCWs, but underscore the need to mitigate the effect of potentially morally injurious events on the mental health of HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Messina Coimbra
- Programme for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Zylberstajn
- Programme for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirjam van Zuiden
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Maria Hoeboer
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Feijo Mello
- Programme for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Feijo Mello
- Programme for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miranda Olff
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
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Stephenson P, Warner-Stidham A. Nurse Reports of Moral Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic. SAGE Open Nurs 2024; 10:23779608231226095. [PMID: 38222264 PMCID: PMC10785717 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231226095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 was devastating for many frontline nurses embroiled in health care's response. Most media outlets reported from several large metropolitan areas in New York, California, and Florida, leaving other regions to wonder about the extent to which their nurses were suffering. Objective The purpose of this article was to understand the specific needs and experiences of Northeast Ohio nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 before designing interventions targeting negative mental outcomes. Methods This phenomenological study interviewed 16 Northeast Ohio nurses to understand their experiences of caring for patients with COVID-19. Results Although not asked about it directly, the participants' stories consistently included details that could be linked to moral distress. Two themes describing their lived experiences included "acquiring moral distress" and "living with moral distress." Additional findings are also reported separately because although they do not represent the lived experience of COVID-19 nursing, they did represent significant concerns that participants had for the future and are reported here to assist other researchers with the intervention design. Furthermore, these participants thought that participation in support groups with other nurses who cared for COVID-19 patients and possibly led by mental health advanced practice nurses offered the best intervention to process their trauma from the pandemic. Conclusions The long-term effects of moral distress have been discussed routinely in recent literature and are further complicated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Threats to the shrinking workforce of nurses must be taken seriously and interventions to improve the mental health and morale of frontline nurses must be prioritized and tested.
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Fulton T, Lathan EC, Karkare MC, Guelfo A, Eghbalzad L, Ahluwalia V, Ely TD, Turner JA, Turner MD, Currier JM, Mekawi Y, Fani N. Civilian Moral Injury and Amygdala Functional Connectivity During Attention to Threat. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024; 9:112-120. [PMID: 37487958 PMCID: PMC10803642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral injury references emotional and spiritual/existential suffering that may emerge following psychological trauma. Despite being linked to adverse mental health outcomes, little is known about the neurophysiological mechanisms of this phenomenon. In this study, we examined neural correlates of moral injury exposure and distress using the Moral Injury Exposure and Symptom Scale for Civilians. We also examined potential moderation of these effects by race (Black vs. White individuals) given the likely intersection of race-related stress with moral injury. METHODS Forty-eight adults ages 18 to 65 years (mean age = 30.56, SD = 11.93) completed the Moral Injury Exposure and Symptom Scale for Civilians and an affective attentional control measure, the affective Stroop task (AS), during functional magnetic resonance imaging; the AS includes presentation of threat-relevant and neutral distractor stimuli. Voxelwise functional connectivity of the bilateral amygdala was examined in response to threat-relevant versus neutral AS distractor trials. RESULTS Functional connectivity between the right amygdala and left postcentral gyrus/primary somatosensory cortex was positively correlated with the Moral Injury Exposure and Symptom Scale for Civilians exposure score (voxelwise p < .001, cluster false discovery rate-corrected p < .05) in response to threat versus neutral AS distractor trials. Follow-up analyses revealed significant effects of race; Black but not White participants demonstrated this significant pattern of amygdala-left somatosensory cortex connectivity. CONCLUSIONS Increased exposure to potentially morally injurious events may lead to emotion-somatosensory pathway disruptions during attention to threat-relevant stimuli. These effects may be most potent for individuals who have experienced multilayered exposure to morally injurious events, including racial trauma. Moral injury appears to have a distinct neurobiological signature that involves abnormalities in connectivity of emotion-somatosensory paths, which may be amplified by race-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Fulton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Molecular and Systems Pharmacology PhD Program, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Emma C Lathan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Maya C Karkare
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alfonsina Guelfo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Leyla Eghbalzad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Vishwadeep Ahluwalia
- Center for Advanced Brain Imaging, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Timothy D Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Joseph M Currier
- Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Yara Mekawi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Negar Fani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Lee AY, Lehmann C, Zhou P, Xie B, Reynolds KD, Stacy AW. A quantitative survey measure of moral evaluations of patient substance misuse among health professionals in California, urban France, and urban China. Philos Ethics Humanit Med 2023; 18:18. [PMID: 38049902 PMCID: PMC10696895 DOI: 10.1186/s13010-023-00148-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The merits and drawbacks of moral relevance models of addiction have predominantly been discussed theoretically, without empirical evidence of these potential effects. This study develops and evaluates a novel survey measure for assessing moral evaluations of patient substance misuse (ME-PSM). METHODS This measure was tested on 524 health professionals (i.e., physicians, nurses, and other health professionals) in California (n = 173), urban France (n = 102), and urban China (n = 249). Demographic factors associated with ME-PSM were investigated using analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and t-tests, with results suggesting that ME-PSM is higher among younger health professionals, nurses (when compared with physicians and other health professionals), and Chinese health professionals (when compared with French and American health professionals). RESULTS Results provide preliminary support for the psychometric quality of the survey measure introduced in this study, including the existence of a single latent structure and partial invariance of collected data across countries. CONCLUSION The survey measure for ME-PSM which was developed and tested in the current study appears to hold potential utility for use as a measure of moral views of patient substance misuse. With development, this measure may be used to examine moral evaluations, both as factors of stigma and of other clinical factors associated with the treatment of patients with substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Yu Lee
- School of Community & Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, 150 E. 10th St, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA.
| | - Curtis Lehmann
- Department of Psychology, Azusa Pacific University, 901 E. Alosta Ave., Azusa, CA, 91702, USA
| | - Pengchong Zhou
- Department of Public Health, California State University Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Bin Xie
- School of Community & Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, 150 E. 10th St, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Kim D Reynolds
- School of Community & Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, 150 E. 10th St, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Alan W Stacy
- School of Community & Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, 150 E. 10th St, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
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Grimell J. Moral injury: understanding Swedish veterans who are assessed but not diagnosed with PTSD. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1200869. [PMID: 38111618 PMCID: PMC10725915 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This article is based on an interview study of 24 Swedish veterans who experienced deteriorating mental health and increased suffering without meeting the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. With no clinical answers as to the cause of their deteriorating mental health, they have been thrown into a veteran's health limbo. The analysis was based on an inductive logic. A key finding of the analysis was a kind of deep-seated permanent moral conflict that could be conceptualized as moral injury. Such an injury can give rise to intense guilt, shame, anxiety, anger, dejection, bitterness, identity issues and more. The results section of the article details five different yet for the sample representative cases of moral injury and their implications. The notion of moral injury is linked to Mead's division of the self into an I and me, where me is the socially constructed part of the self that is charged with the morality of a group. Thus, a moral me played a key role in the development of moral injury. The conceptual apparatus illustrates a new way of understanding experiences that can create suffering and negatively impact a veteran's mental health. Future research is encouraged that examines this topic, national designs for addressing moral injury, screening for moral injury, and methods for healing included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Grimell
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Lei Q, He Z, Koenig HG, Hu X, Xiong M, Shi X, Liu J, Wang Z. Light Personality Style and Moral Injury Among Chinese Health Professionals. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3942-3956. [PMID: 37777659 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Moral injury has attracted attention widely in various occupations, particularly health professionals. Personality traits involve the professional values in clinical decision-making associated with mental outcomes. The current study examines the relationship between "light personality" style and moral injury. Scores on three subscales of the Light Triad Scale were negatively correlated with the Moral Injury Symptoms Scale-Health Professional. Health professionals more likely to have light personality styles may be less likely to suffer from moral injury under high-stake situations. The findings provide evidence to better understand the inner core of the moral injury, suggesting a potential pathway to improve the moral well-being of health professionals by strengthening key elements of light personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhui Lei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhehao He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China
| | - Harold G Koenig
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xue Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyun Xiong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuquan Shi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health at Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 56006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 56006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhizhong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China.
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, #1 Xincheng Road, Songshanhu, Dongguan, 523808, People's Republic of China.
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Alvarez NA, Gaither CA, Schommer JC, Lee S, Shaughnessy AM. Moral Distress and Moral Injury in Pharmacy and Why the Academy Needs to Care. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2023; 87:100610. [PMID: 37865387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel are experiencing job stress and burnout, and in some instances, suicidal ideation and death by suicide. However, the described lived experiences of pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel are not defined by burnout. Thus, consideration of and research about whether pharmacy personnel are possibly experiencing moral distress or moral injury is necessary and urgent. The pharmacy academy is served by considering workplace conditions and lived experiences of pharmacists because of the potential, negative impact on prospective student recruitment, quality of experiential sites and preceptors, sites for clinical faculty placement, and the well-being of alumni. Understanding phenomena occurring for pharmacy personnel and determining how they impact the pharmacy academy can lend itself to the future development of solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A Alvarez
- University of Arizona, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Jon C Schommer
- University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - SuHak Lee
- University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Jamieson N, Carey LB, Jamieson A, Maple M. Examining the Association Between Moral Injury and Suicidal Behavior in Military Populations: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3904-3925. [PMID: 37592186 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01885-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The increasing number of suicides among military populations cannot be fully accounted for by conventional risk factors like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As a result, researchers and theorists propose that delving into the concept of Moral Injury could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of suicide. Moral Injury is not currently a recognized mental health disorder but can be associated with PTSD. Moral Injury is a multi-dimensional issue that profoundly affects emotional, psychological, behavioral, social, and spiritual well-being. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the association between Moral Injury and suicidal behavior (suicide ideation, plans and or suicide attempt) within military populations. The review will specifically concentrate on identifying and analyzing studies that have investigated the connection between these variables, with a specific focus on the context of military personnel both serving and former serving members. Of the 2214 articles identified as part of this review, 12 studies satisfied the research criteria with a total participant sample having an average age of 40.7 years. The male population accounted for 78.6% of the overall sample. Two studies were identified as high-quality, while the remaining ten were rated as moderate. The analysis of these twelve studies consistently affirms a connection between Moral Injury and suicidal behavior; most obviously, that exposure to morally injurious events substantially amplify the risk of suicide, with higher levels of potential exposure being linked to increased Moral Injury and heightened levels of suicidal behavior. Our review uncovered noteworthy findings regarding the association between Moral Injury and suicidal behavior, marking a pioneering effort in exploring this association and offering valuable insights into this emerging issue. Several limitations are noted regarding this review and recommendations are made concerning the need to prioritize, expand and employ longitudinal research designs that include non-military populations such as first responders (e.g., police, paramedics, firefighters) and medical, nursing, or allied health professionals-all disciplines known to be impacted by Moral Injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Jamieson
- Moral Injury Australia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Lindsay B Carey
- Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Institue of Ethics and Society, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney Campus, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Myfanwy Maple
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
- Manna Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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Denham F, Varese F, Hurley M, Allsopp K. Exploring experiences of moral injury and distress among health care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:833-848. [PMID: 37203424 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health care workers have been exposed to a variety of practical and emotional challenges because of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving them vulnerable to experiencing moral injury and distress. However, there is currently sparse research which directly explores such experiences. This study aimed to explore and characterise the experiences and impacts of moral injury and distress among health care workers during the pandemic. METHODS Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with health care workers employed across both mental and physical health care services. Interviews were analysed from a critical realist perspective using thematic analysis. RESULTS Three key themes were identified: attitudes towards moral injury, experiences of moral injury and consequences of moral injury. Participants appeared to identify with the idea of acting against their morals to varying extents based on their job roles. Participants experienced a range of potentially morally injurious and distressing events throughout the pandemic and many ultimately felt that they provided sub-standard levels of care due to extreme pressures on services. Detrimental impacts upon wellbeing were commonly reported, including high levels of emotional distress and feelings of guilt and shame. Some reported a loss of enthusiasm for their job and a desire to leave the profession entirely. CONCLUSION Moral injury and distress presents a real concern for staff wellbeing and retention within the profession. During and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need for health care providers to implement wider strategies to target moral injury and distress, and support staff within health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye Denham
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Filippo Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Mitchell Hurley
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate Allsopp
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Levi-Belz Y, Groweiss Y, Blank C. Moral injury and its mental health consequences among protesters: findings from Israel's civil protest against the government's judicial reform. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2283306. [PMID: 37994789 PMCID: PMC10993812 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2283306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Government actions and participating in protracted-duration protests against it affect protesters' mental health, leading to high distress levels, such as posttraumatic and depressive symptoms. Aside from exposure to violence and other issues, protest participation can pose unique challenges to the protesters as they may be exposed to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), such as the betrayal of leaders they once trusted. This study's primary objective was to examine the extent of psychological difficulties among civilians participating in long-duration protests in Israel. More specifically, the study aimed to understand the contribution of exposure to protest-related PMIEs to psychological difficulties such as posttraumatic and depressive symptoms.Method: Participants comprised 4036 Israelis who were actively involved in the unfolding civil protest movement against the government-led judicial overhaul between January 2023 and August 2023. The protesters completed validated self-report questionnaires that included measures of PMIE exposure, PTSD and depressive symptoms.Results: About half (44.3%) of the sample met the criteria for self-report diagnosis of major depression and 10.6% for PTSD. Most of the protesters indicated their exposure to at least one moral injury event, with 63.9% reporting exposure to PMIE-Betrayal. Protesters exposed to PMIEs reported significantly higher levels of both PTSD and depression than non-PMIE-exposed protesters. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, beyond demographics and protest-related characteristics such as exposure to violence, PMIE dimensions significantly contributed to both PTSD and depression levels.Conclusions: The findings highlight the mental burden of protesters during the civil protests against the judicial overhaul in Israel. More central to the present research, the findings highlight the critical contribution of PMIEs exposure to this burden. Clinicians treating protesters coping with depression and PTSD following the civil actions should attend to their exposure to PMIEs, which may relate to the deleterious psychological effects among protesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Levi-Belz
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yoav Groweiss
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Carmel Blank
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
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Williams R, Kemp V, Burgess J, Murray E, Stokes S, Wood A, Batt-Rawden S, Bland L, Lockey D. Practical psychosocial care for providers of pre-hospital care: a summary of the report 'valuing staff, valuing patients'. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:77. [PMID: 37946286 PMCID: PMC10636848 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01141-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caring for people who are ill or injured in pre-hospital environments is emotionally draining and physically demanding. This article focuses on the Psychosocial and Mental Health Programme commissioned by the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (FPHC) at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) in 2018 to investigate the experiences and needs of responders to pre-hospital emergencies and make recommendations. It summarises the report to FPHC published in 2022, and adds material from research published subsequently. METHOD FPHC appointed a team to undertake the work. Team members conducted a literature review, and a systematic review of the literature concerning the impacts on the mental health of pre-hospital practitioners. They conducted fieldwork, participated in training and had conversations with trainees and established practitioners, and took evidence from the Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine Trainees Association (PHEMTA). RESULTS The Results summarise the evidence-based theoretical background derived from the programme and practical guidance for practitioners, professional organisations, and employers who deliver pre-hospital care on the implications of, preventing and intervening with pre-hospital providers who experience psychosocial and mental health problems. CONCLUSION This paper summarises the outputs from a multidisciplinary programme of scholarship, research, and fieldwork. The authors condense the findings and the guidance developed by the Programme Team to provide a summary of the report and guidance on implementation. They believe that the recommendations are applicable to all healthcare organisations and particularly those that employ responders to emergencies and provide pre-hospital care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Williams
- Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care, Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care, University of South Wales, Edinburgh, UK
- Director of the Psychosocial Care and Mental Healthcare Programme for the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2018-2022, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Verity Kemp
- Psychosocial Care and Mental Healthcare Programme for the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2018-2022, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jennifer Burgess
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Esther Murray
- Institute for Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Suzy Stokes
- Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals and Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Stokenchurch, UK
| | - Andrew Wood
- Anaesthesia and Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Samantha Batt-Rawden
- Intensive Care Medicine and Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine, Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Bland
- Pre-Hospital and Emergency Medicine, Somerset Foundation Trust and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Henstridge, UK
- Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care, Intercollegiate Board for Training in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Lockey
- Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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MacMartin M, Zeng A, Chelen J, Barnato A, Chuang E. 'The burden of wanting to make it right': thematic analysis of semistructured interviews to explore experiences of planning for crisis standards of care and ventilator allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e076674. [PMID: 37945301 PMCID: PMC10649704 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic prompted planning for clinical surges and associated resource shortages, particularly of equipment such as ventilators. We sought to examine the experience of the healthcare professionals who created policies for crisis standards of care, and allocation of ventilators in the event of shortage. DESIGN To that end, we conducted semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals in the USA involved in institutional planning for resource shortages in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. SETTING USA. PARTICIPANTS We conducted 25 interviews between May and July 2021. Half of the respondents were female (48%), many from Northeastern institutions (52%), and most practised in academic institutions (92%). RESULTS Many (64%) respondents reported that their institution had an approved policy to guide ventilator allocation in the event of a shortage. We identified one overarching theme: the work of planning for resource shortages imposed a psychological burden on many planners. We identified four subthemes that influenced that burden: impact of leadership, institutional variation in process and policies, faith in the policies and future directions. CONCLUSIONS Improved leadership strategies and cross-institutional collaboration can reduce the psychological burden of planning and facilitate updating plans in anticipation of future shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith MacMartin
- Department of Medicine, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Alison Zeng
- Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Julia Chelen
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Amber Barnato
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Elizabeth Chuang
- Family and Social Medicine, Yeshiva University Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Arquette C, Peicher V, Ajayi A, Alvarez D, Mao A, Nguyen T, Sawyer A, Sears CM, Carragee EJ, Floyd B, Mahanay B, Blankenburg R. Moral Injury: How It Affects Us and Tools to Combat It. MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2023; 19:11357. [PMID: 37927405 PMCID: PMC10622333 DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Moral injury comprises feelings of guilt, despair, shame, and/or helplessness from having one's morals transgressed. Those underrepresented in health care are more likely to experience moral injury arising from micro- and macroaggressions. This workshop was designed for interprofessional health care providers ranging from students to program leadership to raise awareness about moral injury and provide tools to combat it. Methods This 75-minute interactive workshop explored moral injury through a health care lens. It included components of lecture, case-based learning, small-group discussion, and individual reflection. Participants completed anonymous postworkshop evaluations, providing data on satisfaction and intention to change practice. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative data and applied content analysis to the qualitative data. Results The workshop was presented at two local academic conferences. Data were collected from 34 out of 60 participants, for a response rate of 57%. Ninety-seven percent of participants felt the workshop helped them define and identify moral injury and was a valuable use of their time, as well as indicating they would apply the information learned in their daily life. One hundred percent would recommend the workshop to a friend or colleague. Almost half felt they could implement strategies to address moral injury after participating in the workshop. Discussion This workshop proved to be a valuable tool to define and discuss moral injury. The materials can be adapted to a broad audience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Arquette
- Fourth-Year Resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Valerie Peicher
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Antonette Ajayi
- Fellow, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Dora Alvarez
- Third-Year Resident, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Alice Mao
- Fellow, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Tram Nguyen
- Fellow, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Anthony Sawyer
- Fourth-Year Resident, Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Connie Martin Sears
- Fourth-Year Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Eugene J. Carragee
- Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Baraka Floyd
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Bernadett Mahanay
- Fellowship Programs Manager, Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University School of Medicine
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Abstract
Healthcare workers experience moral injury (MI), a violation of their moral code due to circumstances beyond their control. MI threatens the healthcare workforce in all settings and leads to medical errors, depression/anxiety, and personal and occupational dysfunction, significantly affecting job satisfaction and retention. This article aims to differentiate concepts and define causes surrounding MI in healthcare. A narrative literature review was performed using SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PubMed for peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between 2017 and 2023. Search terms included "moral injury" and "moral distress," identifying 249 records. While individual risk factors predispose healthcare workers to MI, root causes stem from healthcare systems. Accumulation of moral stressors and potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) (from administrative burden, institutional betrayal, lack of autonomy, corporatization of healthcare, and inadequate resources) result in MI. Individuals with MI develop moral resilience or residue, leading to burnout, job abandonment, and post-traumatic stress. Healthcare institutions should focus on administrative and climate interventions to prevent and address MI. Management should ensure autonomy, provide tangible support, reduce administrative burden, advocate for diversity of clinical healthcare roles in positions of interdisciplinary leadership, and communicate effectively. Strategies also exist for individuals to increase moral resilience, reducing the impact of moral stressors and PMIEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Mewborn
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Andrews K, Lloyd CS, Densmore M, Kearney BE, Harricharan S, McKinnon MC, Théberge J, Jetly R, Lanius RA. 'I am afraid you will see the stain on my soul': Direct gaze neural processing in individuals with PTSD after moral injury recall. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2023; 18:nsad053. [PMID: 37897804 PMCID: PMC10612569 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsad053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct eye contact is essential to understanding others' thoughts and feelings in social interactions. However, those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and exposure to moral injury (MI) may exhibit altered theory-of-mind (ToM)/mentalizing processes and experience shame which precludes one's capacity for direct eye contact. We investigated blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses associated with direct vs averted gaze using a virtual reality paradigm in individuals with PTSD (n = 28) relative to healthy controls (n = 18) following recall of a MI vs a neutral memory. Associations between BOLD responses and clinical symptomatology were also assessed. After MI recall, individuals with PTSD showed greater activation in the right temporoparietal junction as compared to controls (T = 4.83; pFDR < 0.001; k = 237) during direct gaze. No significant activation occurred during direct gaze after neutral memory recall. Further, a significant positive correlation was found between feelings of distress and right medial superior frontal gyrus activation in individuals with PTSD (T = 5.03; pFDR = 0.049; k = 123). These findings suggest that direct gaze after MI recall prompts compensatory ToM/mentalizing processing. Implications for future interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of PTSD on social functioning are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krysta Andrews
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON N1E 6K9, Canada
| | - Chantelle S Lloyd
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON N1E 6K9, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON N6C 0A7, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Maria Densmore
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON N6C 0A7, Canada
- Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Breanne E Kearney
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Sherain Harricharan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON N1E 6K9, Canada
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Jean Théberge
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON N6C 0A7, Canada
- Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Canadian Forces, Health Services, Ottawa, ON K1A 0S2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON N1E 6K9, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON N6C 0A7, Canada
- Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
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Kindt M, Soeter M. A brief treatment for veterans with PTSD: an open-label case-series study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1260175. [PMID: 37928919 PMCID: PMC10620904 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1260175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the positive outcomes observed in numerous individuals undergoing trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD, veterans with this condition experience notably diminished advantages from such therapeutic interventions in comparison to non-military populations. Methods In a preliminary study we investigated the efficacy of an innovative treatment approach in a small sample of veterans (n = 7). Recognizing that accessing and targeting trauma memory in veterans with PTSD may be more challenging compared to other patient populations, we employed unique and personalized retrieval cues that engaged multiple senses and were connected to the context of their trauma. This was followed by a session focused on memory reconsolidation, which incorporated both psychological techniques (i.e., imagery rescripting) and a pharmacological component (i.e., 40 mg of propranolol). Results The findings from this small-scale case series cautiously indicate that this brief intervention, typically consisting of only one or two treatment sessions, shows promise in producing significant effects on symptoms of PTSD, distress and quality of life.This is particularly noteworthy given the complex symptomatology experienced by the veterans in this study. Conclusion To summarize, there are grounds for optimism regarding this brief treatment of combat-related PTSD. It appears that the potential for positive outcomes is far greater than commonly believed, as demonstrated by the encouraging results of this pilot study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Kindt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marieke Soeter
- Work Health Technology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Leiden, Netherlands
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Fino E, Daniels JK, Micheli G, Gazineo D, Godino L, Imbriaco G, Antognoli M, Sist L, Regnano D, Decaro R, Guberti M, Mazzetti M. Moral injury in a global health emergency: a validation study of the Italian version of the Moral Injury Events Scale adjusted to the healthcare setting. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2263316. [PMID: 37815082 PMCID: PMC10566389 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2263316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: When exposed to events that transgress one's moral beliefs, a plethora of negative consequences may follow, which are captured by the concept of moral injury (MI). Despite its relevance to experiences of healthcare workers during a global health emergency, there is lack of validated MI instruments adapted to the healthcare setting.Objective: The present study aims to provide a validation of the Italian version of the Moral Injury Events Scale (MIES) adjusted to the healthcare setting by assessing its factor structure, internal consistency and construct validity.Methods: A sample of 794 healthcare workers (46% nurses, 51% female) engaged in hospital facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy completed measures of MI, PTSD, anxiety, depression, burnout, meaning in life and positive affect.Results: Using an exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) we assessed the scale factor structure for the entire sample and separately for nurse professional and female healthcare worker groups. Findings support a three-factor solution: Factor 1 'perceived transgressions by others'; Factor 2 'perceived transgressions by self'; and Factor 3 'perceived betrayals by others'. Findings also indicate some level of convergence with measures of PTSD, anxiety, depression and burnout.Conclusion: Results suggest that the MIES may be useful in capturing unique experiences of moral injury amongst healthcare workers engaged in a global health emergency. The low range correlations with measures of psychological distress might potentially indicate that MI, which captures cognitive value judgements rather than manifest symptomatology, may uniquely explain a certain amount of variance. Implications for the development of new empirically derived and theoretical guided tools are discussed, highlighting the need for future research to examine the role of individualising and social binding moral principles in gaining a more nuanced understanding of moral injury experiences amongst healthcare professionals across different socio-cultural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edita Fino
- Department of Psychology “Renzo Cannestrari”, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Judith K. Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Giulia Micheli
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Domenica Gazineo
- Governo Clinico e Qualità, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lea Godino
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Imbriaco
- UO Centrale Operativa 118 Emilia Est, Ospedale ‘Maggiore’, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Sist
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Regnano
- Team accessi vascolari, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Decaro
- UO Deg. Percorso fegato e vie biliari/Medicina interna trattamento gravi insufficienze d’organo/TI post-operatoria/TI trapianti, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Michela Mazzetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Williamson V, Lamb D, Hotopf M, Raine R, Stevelink S, Wessely S, Docherty M, Madan I, Murphy D, Greenberg N. Moral injury and psychological wellbeing in UK healthcare staff. J Ment Health 2023; 32:890-898. [PMID: 36883341 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2023.2182414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) can negatively impact mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic may have placed healthcare staff at risk of moral injury. AIM To examine the impact of PMIE on healthcare staff wellbeing. METHODS Twelve thousand nine hundred and sixty-five healthcare staff (clinical and non-clinical) were recruited from 18 NHS-England trusts into a survey of PMIE exposure and wellbeing. RESULTS PMIEs were significantly associated with adverse mental health symptoms across healthcare staff. Specific work factors were significantly associated with experiences of moral injury, including being redeployed, lack of PPE, and having a colleague die of COVID-19. Nurses who reported symptoms of mental disorders were more likely to report all forms of PMIEs than those without symptoms (AOR 2.7; 95% CI 2.2, 3.3). Doctors who reported symptoms were only more likely to report betrayal events, such as breach of trust by colleagues (AOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5, 4.9). CONCLUSION A considerable proportion of NHS healthcare staff in both clinical and non-clinical roles report exposure to PMIEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prospective research is needed to identify the direction of causation between moral injury and mental disorder as well as continuing to monitor the longer term outcomes of exposure to PMIEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Williamson
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Danielle Lamb
- Department of Applied Health Research, NIHR ARC North Thames, UCL, London, UK
| | - Matthew Hotopf
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rosalind Raine
- Department of Applied Health Research, NIHR ARC North Thames, UCL, London, UK
| | - Sharon Stevelink
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Wessely
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mary Docherty
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ira Madan
- Department of Occupational Health, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dominic Murphy
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
- Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Leatherhead, UK
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
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Borges LM, Holliman BD, Farnsworth JK, Barnes SM. Perceptions of Military Experience Among Veterans Reporting Lifetime Warzone Moral Injury. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:796-801. [PMID: 37782522 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Exposures to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) and possible moral injury are risk factors for a range of difficulties impacting individual functioning. Although exposure to PMIEs is a somewhat common product of war, qualitative methods to understand Veterans' experiences of moral injury and Veterans Affairs treatment are limited. To better characterize Veterans' experiences, 14 male warzone Veterans who reported moral injury post-warzone deployment and completed posttraumatic stress disorder treatment in the past year were asked to describe their military service as part of a qualitative study. Through thematic analysis, we found two moral injury-consistent themes and four subthemes. The first theme was "military experiences were associated with morally questioning one's self" with subthemes of "moral shift" and "depersonalization." The second theme was "military experiences were associated with morally questioning others" with subthemes of "disillusionment" and "resignation." Based on these findings, we conclude with a discussion of treatment implications for moral injury.
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Serfioti D, Murphy D, Greenberg N, Williamson V. Professionals' perspectives on relevant approaches to psychological care in moral injury: A qualitative study. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:2404-2421. [PMID: 37310171 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the increasing consensus that moral injury (MI) is a unique type of psychological stressor, there is an ongoing debate about best practices for psychological care. This qualitative study explored the perceptions of UK and US professionals in the field of MI investigating advances and challenges in treatment or support delivery and issues relating to treatment/support feasibility and acceptability. METHODS 15 professionals were recruited. Semi-structured, telephone/online interviews were carried out, and transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Two interconnected themes emerged: perceived barriers to appropriate care for MI cases and recommendations for providing effective care to MI patients. Professionals highlighted the challenges that occur due to the lack of empirical experience with MI, the negligence of patients' unique individual needs and the inflexibility in existing manualised treatments. CONCLUSIONS These findings illustrate the need to evaluate the effectiveness of current approaches and explore alternative pathways, which will effectively support MI patients in the long-term. Key recommendations include the use of therapeutic techniques which lead to a personalised and flexible support plan to meet patients' needs, increase self-compassion and encourage patients to reconnect with their social networks. Interdisciplinary collaborations (e.g., religious/spiritual figures), could be a valuable addition following patients' agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai Serfioti
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Dominic Murphy
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
- Research Department, Combat Stress, Surrey, UK
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Williamson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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50
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Williamson V, Murphy D, Bonson A, Aldridge V, Serfioti D, Greenberg N. Restore and Rebuild (R&R) - a feasibility pilot study of a co-designed intervention for moral injury-related mental health difficulties. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2256204. [PMID: 37732994 PMCID: PMC10515691 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2256204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral injury can significantly negatively impact mental health, but currently no validated treatment for moral injury-related mental health difficulties exists in a UK context. This study aimed to examine whether the Restore and Rebuild (R&R) treatment was feasible to deliver, acceptable and well tolerated by UK military veterans with moral injury related mental health difficulties. METHOD The R&R treatment was delivered to 20 patients who reported distress related to exposure to a morally injurious event(s) during military service. R&R is a 20-session psychotherapy with key themes of processing the event, self compassion, connecting with others and core values. Treatment was delivered online, weekly, one-to-one by a single therapist. Qualitative interviews with patients and the therapist who delivered R&R were conducted to explore acceptability and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Following treatment, patients experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, alcohol misuse and moral injury related distress. R&R was found to be well tolerated by patients and improved their perceived wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS These results provide preliminary evidence that veterans struggling with moral injury related mental ill health can benefit from R&R treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Williamson
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Danai Serfioti
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, UK
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