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Langner F, Börke AK, Muschner P, Muther M, Reichelt A, Willmund GD, Wesemann U, Zimmermann PL, Schönsee I. Burnout and moral injuries after foreign deployment among medical personnel of the German armed forces: a pre-post study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1408849. [PMID: 39319353 PMCID: PMC11420045 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1408849] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Given a high amount of workplace stressors, burnout syndrome, as a depression-related syndrome, is highly relevant for medical service soldiers. This study aims to examine their effects with regard to moral injuries and personal values following foreign deployment. Materials and methods This longitudinal study included 91 soldiers of the German Armed Forces Medical Service. Participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Portrait-Value-Questionnaire (PVQ) before and after a foreign deployment as well as the Moral Injury Scale (SMBE) after deployment. Analysis has been conducted using t-tests to assess potential changes in MBI and PVQ scales between pre-test - t1 (2-4 weeks before deployment) and post-test - t2 (up to 6 months after deployment). In addition, correlations were examined between moral injuries (MI) after deployment and MBI scores at t1 and t2 as well as between personal values (PVQ t1) and MBI scores at t1 and t2. Results The MBI subscales showed mild to moderate burnout symptoms at both pre- and post-tests, with a slight deterioration during the study period, albeit not significant. There were no significant mean differences in PVQ between measurement points. Nevertheless, PVQ self-direction and tradition at t1 correlated negatively with MBI INV at t2 (PVQ SD r = -.21, p = .043) and MBI PA at t2 (PVQ TR r = -.23, p = .027). Furthermore, the subscale PVQ power at t1 correlated positively with MBI PA at t2 (PVQ PO r = .28, p = .006), meanwhile PVQ universalism at t1 correlated positively with MBI INV at t1 (PVQ UN r = .25, p = .018). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between moral injuries at t2 (SMBE total score, SMBE_Sub1, SMBE_Sub2) and MBI subscales Emotional Exhaustion (EE; r = -.54, p = .001), Depersonalization (DP; r = .38, p = .001), and Involvement (INV; r = .30, p = .004) before and after the deployment period. No correlation was found between MI and MBI subscale Personal Accomplishment (PA). Conclusion The results indicate that medical service soldiers exhibit mild to moderate burnout symptoms even before deployment. Significant associations between moral injuries and burnout were found in 3 out of 4 MBI subscales (EE, DP, INV). There was a significant association with a stronger moral injury and higher burnout levels, persisting both before and after the study period. Furthermore, our results suggest that personal value orientations might be meaningful predictors of burnout. Hence, causal questions regarding general work stress among medical service soldiers should be further explored in more detailed studies. Further research could lay the foundation for future approaches in psychotherapy as well as primary and secondary prevention in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Langner
- Bundeswehr Center for Military Mental Health, Military Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Katharina Börke
- Bundeswehr Center for Military Mental Health, Military Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patric Muschner
- Bundeswehr Center for Military Mental Health, Military Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Muther
- Department of Marriage, Family And Life Councelling, Diocese Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Reichelt
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Sanitätsunterstützungszentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd-Dieter Willmund
- Bundeswehr Center for Military Mental Health, Military Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wesemann
- Bundeswehr Center for Military Mental Health, Military Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Lutz Zimmermann
- Bundeswehr Center for Military Mental Health, Military Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabel Schönsee
- Bundeswehr Center for Military Mental Health, Military Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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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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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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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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Fatima M, Imran N, Aamer I, Iqtadar S, Shabbir B. When healers get wounded! Moral injury in healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1244055. [PMID: 37795516 PMCID: PMC10545959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1244055] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Moral injury (MI) is a multi-faceted and multidimensional phenomenon. Occupational MI has been studied mainly among military personnel and first responders and is linked to mental health problems. MI encompasses negative moral emotions such as shame, guilt, and anger leading to distress, and impairment in social and occupational functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic predisposed healthcare providers to moral dilemmas, potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), and MI. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of MI in healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in July-October 2021 among physician/clinician staff working at teaching hospitals in Lahore. The Moral Injury Symptoms Scale-Health Professionals (MISS-HP) was used to collect data. SPSS 26 was used for data analysis applying Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests on non-normally distributed data at α = 0.05. Predictors of MI were ascertained through Binary Logistic Regression analysis. Results Four hundred and twenty physicians responded to the questionnaires. The Median (IQR) MI scores were 37(28-47). Guilt, moral concerns, and shame were higher-scoring MI dimensions. 40.8% (n = 171) suffered from clinically significant distress and impaired functioning while 14.3% (n = 60) from severe distress. Gender, department, and history of psychiatric illness predicted higher levels of distress which were 1.9 times higher in females than males and 2.5 times higher with a history of psychiatric illness. Working on the front lines did not predict MI. Conclusion Our findings highlight the substantial burden of MI in our sample during COVID-19, having implications for healthcare providers' well-being, healthcare quality, and service delivery. This calls for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to better prepare for future disasters through effective human-resource policies, pre-trauma exposure soft-skills training, effective teamwork and communication strategies; self-stewardship and resilience modules, and mental health support for healthcare providers. The dimensional construct of MI may vary across cultures; hence we recommend further cross-cultural research on MI in healthcare providers, particularly in the context of public health disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madah Fatima
- Academic Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nazish Imran
- Child and Family Psychiatry Department, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Irum Aamer
- Academic Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Somia Iqtadar
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bilquis Shabbir
- Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Ben-Shalom U, Reizer A, Connelly V, Rickover I. The adaptation of soldiers to post-service life - the mediating impact of political views on the relationship between violence and adaptation. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1131316. [PMID: 37645069 PMCID: PMC10461056 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1131316] [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: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The current research explores the association between political views, combat experiences, and the adaptation of soldiers to post-service life. Violent experiences in military service were explored as contributors to both positive and negative dimensions of adaptation, while political views served as possible mediators. Methods Three hundred and twenty Israeli veterans participated in the study. Results Political views were correlated with adaptation, especially left-to-right voting and anti-militarism. The results support the mediating role of political beliefs (left-right voting and militarism) in the relationship between combat experience and adaptation to post-service life. Discussion We contend that political perceptions affect adaptation through sense-making of the combat experiences and the individual processing of these experiences, and the willingness to continue in reserve service, which allows social support and recognition. In addition, they are linked to a sense of bitterness following the reduction of public participation in military and reserve service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzi Ben-Shalom
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Abira Reizer
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Vincent Connelly
- Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Itamar Rickover
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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Fleming WH. The Moral Injury Experience Wheel: An Instrument for Identifying Moral Emotions and Conceptualizing the Mechanisms of Moral Injury. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:194-227. [PMID: 36224299 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01676-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper introduces an infographic tool called The Moral Injury Experience Wheel, designed to help users accurately label moral emotions and conceptualize the mechanisms of moral injury (MI). Feeling wheels have been used by therapists and clinical chaplains to increase emotional literacy since the 1980s. The literature on the skill of emotion differentiation shows a causal relationship between identifying emotions with specificity and emotional and behavioral regulation. Emerging research in moral psychology indicates that differentiating moral emotions with precision is related to similar regulatory effects. Based on this evidence, it is proposed that increasing moral emotional awareness through use of an instrument that visually depicts moral emotions and their causal links to MI will enhance appraisal and flexible thinking skills recognized to reduce the persistent dissonance and maladaptive coping related to MI. Design of the wheel is empirically grounded in MI definitional and scale studies. Iterative evaluative feedback from Veterans with features of MI offers initial qualitative evidence of validity. Two case studies will show utility of the wheel in clinical settings and present preliminary evidence of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley H Fleming
- Clinical Chaplain, Syracuse VAMC, 800 Irving Ave, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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Vermetten E, Jones C, Smith MacDonald L, ter Heide JJ, Greenshaw AJ, Brémault-Phillips S. Editorial: Emerging treatments and approaches for moral injury and moral distress. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1125161. [PMID: 36733296 PMCID: PMC9887329 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1125161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Chelsea Jones
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta Edmonton, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lorraine Smith MacDonald
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta Edmonton, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Andrew James Greenshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Suzette Brémault-Phillips
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta Edmonton, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Rodrigues S, Mercier JM, McCall A, Nannarone M, Hosseiny F. 'Against everything that got you into the job': experiences of potentially morally injurious events among Canadian public safety personnel. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2205332. [PMID: 37170904 PMCID: PMC10184585 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2205332] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Moral injury (MI) has become a research and organizational priority as frontline personnel have, both during and in the years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, raised concerns about repeated expectations to make choices that transgress their deeply held morals, values, and beliefs. As awareness of MI grows, so, too, does attention on its presence and impacts in related occupations such as those in public safety, given that codes of conduct, morally and ethically complex decisions, and high-stakes situations are inherent features of such occupations.Objective: This paper shares the results of a study of the presence of potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) in the lived experiences of 38 public safety personnel (PSP) in Ontario, Canada.Method: Through qualitative interviews, this study explored the types of events PSP identify as PMIEs, how PSP make sense of these events, and the psychological, professional, and interpersonal impacts of these events. Thematic analysis supported the interpretation of PSP descriptions of events and experiences.Results: PMIEs do arise in the context of PSP work, namely during the performance of role-specific responsibilities, within the organizational climate, and because of inadequacies in the broader healthcare system. PMIEs are as such because they violate core beliefs commonly held by PSP and compromise their ability to act in accordance with the principles that motivate them in their work. PSP associate PMIEs, in combination with traumatic experiences and routine stress, with adverse psychological, professional and personal outcomes.Conclusion: The findings provide additional empirical evidence to the growing literature on MI in PSP, offering insight into the contextual dimensions that contribute to the sources and effects of PMIEs in diverse frontline populations as well as support for the continued application and exploration of MI in the PSP context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rodrigues
- Research and Policy, Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Mercier
- Research and Policy, Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Adelina McCall
- Research and Policy, Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Molly Nannarone
- Research and Policy, Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Fardous Hosseiny
- Research and Policy, Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Te Brake H, Nauta B. Caught between is and ought: The Moral Dissonance Model. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:906231. [PMID: 36620666 PMCID: PMC9816145 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.906231] [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: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable academic effort has been invested in explaining the causes of, and processes behind moral injury. These efforts are mostly focused on assessment and treatment within a clinical setting. Collective and social factors contributing to moral injury are often overlooked in current literature. This perspective article considers the role of contextual factors associated with moral injury and proposes a framework that describes their relation to individual aspects. The resulting Moral Dissonance Model (MDM) draws on existing theories and frameworks. The MDM explains how dissonance can occur when the actual behavior-the response to a morally challenging situation-contradicts with morally desirable behavior. Individual and collective factors, which change over time, contribute to the experience of dissonance. The inability to sufficiently solve dissonance can lead to moral injury, but not as a matter of course. The MDM can help to understand the underlying processes of moral distress. It raises awareness of the influence of public debate and controversy, and the resulting changing societal attitudes over time. Its implications and future use are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Te Brake
- ARQ Centre of Expertise for the Impact of Disasters and Crisis, Diemen, Netherlands
| | - Bart Nauta
- ARQ Centre of Expertise on War, Persecution and Violence, Diemen, Netherlands
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Kalkman JP. The lived experience of organizational disidentification: how soldiers feel betrayed, dissociate, and suffer. CULTURE AND ORGANIZATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14759551.2022.2113536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jori Pascal Kalkman
- Faculty of Military Sciences, Netherlands Defence Academy, Breda, The Netherlands
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