Relational Satisfaction and Moral Injury
Moral injuries are often associated with negative psychological outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Research has shown that positive relational factors can serve as protective factors for mental health following moral injury. This suggests that individuals who experience moral injury may be able to mitigate its impact on their wellbeing through strong, supportive relationships.
Relationship quality is one factor that has been found to buffer against the psychological effects of moral injury. Individuals who report high levels of relationship satisfaction tend to have lower rates of PTSD symptoms and other mental health problems compared to those who report low levels of satisfaction. This finding has been replicated across studies using different measures of relationship quality and different populations. Researchers suggest that the benefits of close, secure relationships may be especially helpful in promoting resilience after experiencing moral injury because they provide a sense of social connection and support that helps to reduce feelings of isolation and shame.
The Role of Empathy
Empathic responses from others also appear to play an important role in buffering against the psychological consequences of moral injury. Studies show that individuals who receive empathetic support from family members or friends during times of distress are more likely to recover from trauma-related symptoms, including those related to moral injury.
Veterans who received higher levels of empathic support from loved ones were less likely to develop PTSD symptoms after combat exposure. Similarly, victims of sexual assault who received greater empathy from their partners reported fewer symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those who did not.
Social Support
Social support can take many forms, including emotional support, instrumental support (such as practical assistance), informational support (such as advice), and appraisal support (such as validation). All types of support seem to promote resilience following moral injury, but different types may be more beneficial for different individuals.
Some research suggests that instrumental support is particularly effective for reducing symptoms of depression, while emotional support is more effective for reducing anxiety.
Bystander Intervention
Bystander intervention has been shown to protect against the psychological effects of moral injury. This involves intervening on behalf of someone who is experiencing harm, such as stepping in to stop a bully or reporting abuse. Researchers have found that witnesses who take action to help someone in need tend to experience lower rates of mental health problems compared to those who do nothing. By intervening, bystanders not only reduce harm but also gain a sense of control and empowerment, which can promote feelings of self-efficacy and resilience.
Relational satisfaction and social support appear to buffer against the negative psychological consequences of moral injury. Empathetic responses from others are especially important for promoting resilience, and bystander intervention can help individuals regain a sense of power and control over their situation. These findings suggest that relationships play a key role in promoting wellbeing after moral injury and should be considered when developing interventions to address this form of distress.
In what ways does relational satisfaction buffer against psychological effects of moral injury or trauma?
Relational satisfaction is a positive feeling that individuals experience when they are satisfied with their relationships with others. Research has shown that this type of satisfaction can buffer the psychological effects of moral injury or trauma. Moral injury refers to harm caused by violating one's deeply held beliefs, values, or morals, such as betraying someone's trust or acting unethically. Trauma is an overwhelming emotional response to a stressful event, which can include moral injuries.