Dynamic model of moral injury - 01/03/23

Doi : 10.1016/j.ejtd.2023.100313

Mariam Kvitsiani ^⁎ , Maia Mestvirishvili, Khatuna Martskvishvili, Mariam Odilavadze
Department of Psychology, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia, 11a, Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, Block 3, Tbilisi, GE 0179

^⁎Corresponding author.

Edited by C. Tarquinio

Abstract

This study seeks to understand a dynamic model of moral injury: traumatic experience caused by behavior that contradicts the moral principles individual holds. Although past studies mostly focused on specific group, this article considers more general context, while exploring the process of re-evaluating an individual's existing values.

Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with people from different professional and life backgrounds. Thematic and contextual analyses demonstrate that structure and dynamics of moral injury are in line with the structure of general trauma, although, emotional reactions and the content of the process are unique.

The study empirically proves a theoretical model that reflects the individual differences and complex emotion-driven processes associated with traumatic experiences.

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Keywords : Trauma, Moral injury, Moral identity, Moral emotions, Psychological distress