moral injury

      Moral injury is a term used to describe the psychological and emotional distress that arises from experiences that transgress an individual’s deeply held moral beliefs, values, or ethical code. It is often associated with situations in which a person has witnessed or been involved in acts that conflict with their sense of right and wrong. While moral injury has been mostly connected to military service, it can also occur in other settings, such as healthcare, law enforcement, or humanitarian work.

Moral injury differs from other psychological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in that it focuses specifically on the inner conflict resulting from perceived moral transgressions rather than the fear-based responses associated with trauma. It involves a range of emotions, including guilt, shame, moral confusion, anger, and a loss of trust in oneself, others, or even in higher powers.

In military contexts, moral injury can arise from situations, such as being involved in or witnessing acts of violence, harm to civilians, or actions that go against a soldier's personal moral code. 

The impact of moral injury can be profound and long-lasting. It can lead to feelings of alienation, self-blame, and a crisis of identity. Interventions can help veterans make sense of their moral injury, redefine their values, and work towards self-forgiveness, healing, reconciliation, and restoration of a sense of moral integrity.