Moral injury is a psychological reaction to witnessing or being involved in experiences that transgress deeply held moral values and convictions (Hickman et al., 2016; LeardMann & Powell, 2014), such as experiencing or causing trauma during military service (Bryan et al., 2018; Green et al., 2020). Studies have found that veterans who experience moral injury report feelings of shame, self-blame, guilt, betrayal, and loss of faith in humanity or themselves (Green et al., 2020; LeardMann et al., 2019a). These emotions can interfere with their ability to function normally and cause long-term mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and suicidality (Davis et al., 2021; Hickman et al., 2016; Kelley et al., 2017; LeardMann & Powell, 2014; Litz et al., 2013).
The experience of moral injury during service shapes veterans' beliefs about loyalty, ethical responsibility, and relational commitment in several ways. Firstly, it challenges their loyalty to their country, comrades, and family by exposing them to situations where they are forced to compromise their morals for the sake of survival or mission success.
Soldiers may be asked to carry out orders that go against their personal values or engage in activities that make them feel guilty or ashamed afterwards. This can lead to a sense of betrayal, which can negatively impact their relationships with those closest to them (LeardMann et al., 2019b; Stotzer & Crawford, 2018).
Moral injury can also affect veterans' perceptions of ethical responsibility. Soldiers who witness or participate in acts that violate their principles may struggle with feelings of guilt and self-blame, leading to doubts about their own morality and whether they did the right thing (Bryan et al., 2018; Green et al., 2020). This can lead to difficulty making decisions and an overall distrust of others (Hickman et al., 2016).
Moral injury can shape veterans' relational commitments by creating barriers to trust and intimacy. Veterans who have experienced moral injury may feel like they cannot connect with people on an emotional level due to their experiences (Kelley et al., 2017), which can strain their relationships both at home and in other areas of life (Bryan et al., 2018).
Moral injury can cause veterans to question their identity and purpose, making it difficult for them to find meaningful connections outside of military service (Green et al., 2020).
Moral injury during service can significantly impact veterans' beliefs about loyalty, ethical responsibility, and relational commitment. It challenges their sense of loyalty to their country, comrades, and family, undermines their ability to make ethical decisions, and makes it difficult for them to form deep connections. Understanding this process is crucial for improving the mental health and wellbeing of those who have served.
In what ways does moral injury during service shape veterans' beliefs about loyalty, ethical responsibility, and relational commitment?
Moral injuries sustained by military veterans while serving can influence their beliefs regarding loyalty, ethical accountability, and interpersonal dedication. According to researchers, moral injuries are defined as an emotional response that arises from transgressing one's principles, such as betraying fellow soldiers or causing civilian casualties while on duty (Hagerty et al. , 2016).