Conceptualizing Moral Injury: theoretical models proposed to facilitate understanding and intervention

Increasing evidence suggests exposure to moral violations (also known as potentially morally injurious events [PMIE’s]) can substantially impact psychological health of individuals from a variety of communities, like warzone veterans, healthcare workers, and survivors of racial trauma. When PMIE exposure leads to functional impairment, moral injury can result. Moral injury has been linked to severe health consequences such as substance use and heightened risk of suicide. Given the prevalence of exposure to PMIEs and the potential consequences of moral injury, several interventions have emerged to treat the behaviors and symptom constellations associated with moral injury. Recent studies underscore the urgency for effective interventions that specifically address and ameliorate the behaviors contributing to moral injury resulting from PMIEs.

Through this Research Topic, we will delve into the theoretical foundations of existing interventions for moral injury. By examining and contrasting various theoretical models currently employed, we seek to enhance understanding of how these theories can predict and influence the behaviors sustaining moral injury and influence treatment outcomes. We aim to broaden discourse surrounding moral injury, encouraging innovative theoretical approaches that can lead to more effective and tailored therapeutic strategies.

To encapsulate the breadth of this burgeoning field, we will concentrate on theories that underpin diverse intervention strategies. We welcome submissions that explore a wide range of perspectives, including but not limited to: behavioral theories, biopsychosocial models, cognitive and cognitive-behavioral frameworks, neuroscience-based approaches, psychoanalytic interpretations, spiritual and existential analyses.

We aspire to foster clinical innovations that disrupt the processes maintaining moral injury and prevent adverse outcomes, enriching both the academic and practical landscapes of moral injury interventions.

Keywords: Moral Injury, Theoretical Models, PMIE, Intervention Strategies, Psychological Health, Behavioral Frameworks, Cognitive Approaches, Biopsychosocial Models, Trauma Recovery, Clinical Innovations.

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.