Moral injury is defined as "a set of psychological symptoms that can occur after witnessing or participating in life-threatening events where an individual believes they failed to live up to their own values" (Chandler et al., 2019). Veterans who experience moral injury may feel guilt, shame, or self-blame for actions or decisions made during combat, which can lead to difficulty forming meaningful connections with others. This can impact their willingness to engage in sexual or emotional intimacy, leading to isolation, loneliness, and depression.
One common issue facing veterans is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which often occurs alongside moral injury. PTSD involves intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal reactions to trauma, all of which can interfere with sexual and emotional relationships.
Veterans with PTSD may have flashbacks or nightmares related to combat experiences, making them fearful of closeness or intimacy. They may also struggle with trust issues, finding it difficult to open up emotionally or physically to partners.
Another factor contributing to moral injury's impact on veteran's sex lives is cultural stigma around mental health. In many military cultures, seeking help for mental health issues is seen as weakness or failure. As a result, veterans may not seek treatment for moral injury or other conditions like PTSD, compounding the problem.
Some veterans may view themselves as damaged goods due to their experiences and see no future in romantic relationships.
The effects of moral injury are not limited to just PTSD or negative attitudes towards therapy. Moral injury can also manifest in physical symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, or gastrointestinal problems. These can make it harder for veterans to be present in a relationship both physically and mentally, reducing interest in sex and intimacy. Further, moral injury can lead to substance abuse or self-destructive behaviors that further isolate individuals from others.
Despite these challenges, there are ways veterans can overcome moral injury and improve their relationships. Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and exposure therapy. CBT helps identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs about oneself and one's worldview, while MBSR focuses on cultivating acceptance and self-compassion. Exposure therapy involves gradually confronting trauma triggers with support to desensitize them over time. All three approaches have been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve social functioning among veterans (Chandler et al., 2019).
Moral injury has far-reaching consequences for veterans' sexual and emotional wellbeing, but treatment options exist. With support, veterans can work through the pain of past traumas and learn to form healthy, fulfilling connections again.
In what ways does moral injury impact veterans' willingness to engage in sexual or emotional intimacy?
The impact of moral injury on veterans' willingness to engage in sexual or emotional intimacy depends on various factors such as their personal experiences during deployment, social support system, coping strategies, and cognitive appraisals of self and relationships. Moral injury is defined as an inner conflict that occurs when one betrays or transgresses deeply held ethical beliefs and values, leading to negative feelings of guilt, shame, and regret.