Abstract

Moral Injury (MI) is known to be prevalent among military populations, however, the integration of spirituality into the treatment of veterans with trauma/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an understudied topic. This systematic review sought to explore how mental health clinicians and chaplains view the integration of spirituality in the course of clinical care with traumatized veterans who experience MI. Utilizing qualitative methodology, the existing knowledge base was studied to shed light on this topic and to also identify the similarities and differences between these types of providers. The meta-aggregation approach was applied to analysis of the available data and a total of 11 eligible articles were included. The results revealed that as a field, we know more about chaplain perspectives compared with mental health clinicians and that these disciplines seem to conceptualize and treat MI differently. Both provider types, however, appear to recognize that morality is a complex and relevant subject matter when treating this population. In addition, a thorough assessment of MI and its associated challenges is understood as a fundamental component of appropriate clinical care. Interdisciplinary collaboration and training opportunities between both disciplines were identified as areas of need. Another finding was that chaplains prioritize the integration of spirituality in their work with affected veterans, whereas mental health clinicians may or may not. Additionally, veterans’ experience of meaning-meaning in the context of human suffering, and the concept of forgiveness were identified as pertinent outcomes of this study. It was clear that working with traumatized veterans affected by MI has the potential to have a significant impact on providers’ own well-being. As such, this type of work calls for ethical and competent providers who are able to compassionately respond to the complexities of MI and the spiritual features potentially involved.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Post-traumatic stress disorder--Veterans; : Post-traumatic stress disorder—Medical care; Therapeutics; Spirituality; Spirituality--Medical care

Date of Award

2024

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Stephanie Woo

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