Understanding Moral Injury Morbidity: A Qualitative Study Examining Chaplain's Perspectives.

ABSTRACT

Moral injury tends to be conceptualized through an interplay of psychological and religious concerns. Recent qualitative research has begun utilizing chaplains to bolster the understanding of moral injury within veterans. The current study examined qualitative data regarding how moral injury is viewed through the lens of Chaplain Services within the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Specifically, chaplains were asked to describe how moral injury presents, what kinds of complaints veterans voice with regard to moral injury, and how moral injury impacts social functioning. Chaplains highlighted how moral injury is a pervasive issue affecting veterans across multiple domains. Clinical implications discussed further.