Operational Stress is defined as an emotional response to demands placed upon an individual while performing their duties that are perceived to be beyond one's normal ability to cope. Moral Injury can occur when individuals experience a violation of personal values, such as those related to human dignity, justice, compassion, integrity, or loyalty. Relational Satisfaction refers to the degree to which people feel connected, supported, and loved in their close relationships. Research suggests that all three variables can have a significant impact on each other. The relationship between Operational Stress and Moral Injury has been well documented, but how does this relate to relational satisfaction? There are multiple psychological mechanisms that may mediate this relationship. One possible mechanism involves cognitive appraisals. When faced with stressful situations, individuals may appraise them as threatening, resulting in increased anxiety and fear. This can lead to negative mood states such as anger, sadness, and guilt, which can further exacerbate operational stress.
Individuals who experience moral injury may struggle with feelings of shame, betrayal, and disillusionment, leading to decreased self-esteem and trust in others. These negative emotions can also interfere with relational satisfaction, making it difficult for individuals to connect with others emotionally. Another potential mechanism involves coping strategies. Individuals experiencing operational stress may engage in maladaptive coping strategies such as avoidance or denial, which can impede their ability to process trauma and heal from moral injury. Similarly, individuals with moral injury may turn towards substance abuse or self-harm as a way of coping, leading to social isolation and reduced support systems.
Personality factors may play a role in the relationship between these variables.
Those high in neuroticism or low in conscientiousness may be more vulnerable to both operational stress and moral injury, while those high in agreeableness or extraversion may have greater difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. By understanding these psychological mechanisms, we can better target interventions that aim to promote resilience and improve overall wellbeing.
What psychological mechanisms mediate the relationship between operational stress, moral injury, and relational satisfaction?
The research on operational stress, moral injury, and relational satisfaction is still limited. Operational stress refers to a state of mental, physical, and social exhaustion that results from prolonged exposure to workplace pressures and demands (French & Fay, 2014). Moral injury describes the painful feelings individuals may experience when they believe their actions are incompatible with their values or expectations (Burke et al. , 2016).