MORAL INJURY: A CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVE

ABSTRACT

Background: This symposium provides a timely contemporary perspective on moral injury (MI) in the context of current events, namely the COVID-19 pandemic and the fall of Afghanistan, with the likelihood of these events exposing individuals to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Objectives: To highlight the need for a greater understanding of the concept of MI and the associated mental health (MH) consequences in the context of recent significant global events. MI is primarily concerned with the transgression of deeply held moral beliefs and the negative MH sequelae. Methods: This presentation will discuss some of the key controversies about the construct of MI (e.g. whether MI adds to our understanding of post-traumatic MH, and whether MI should be considered a psychiatric disorder). We also discuss the Moral Injury Outcome Scale (MIOS) developed by Phoenix Australia and the importance of MI in a treatment setting. Findings: The MIOS was shown to be a reliable and valid measure of MI for international use. This research is an important step in further understanding the impacts of MI, and in improving the support that is provided to those exposed to PMIEs. Conclusion: We argue that the yawning gap between the diverse moral frameworks that define personal identity, on one side, and the thin and narrow military ethics of the state, on the other, is potentially a significant cause of MI among military personnel.