Citation

Kopacz MS, Adams MS, Searle R, Koenig HG, Bryan CJ. J. Health Care Chaplain 2019; 25(2): 76-88.

Affiliation

National Center for Veterans Studies , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08854726.2018.1538655

PMID

30587079

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive study was to examine the prevalence and perceived intensity of potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) in a group of VA chaplaincy service users. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between PMIEs, spiritual injury, and religiosity. A convenience sample of veterans (n = 84), participants in a spiritual injury support group, completed the Moral Injury Events Scale (MIES). Most individuals also completed the Duke University Religion Index (as a measure of religiosity) and Spiritual Injury Scale.

RESULTS suggest a high prevalence of PMIEs among participants. These PMIEs were also higher in perceived intensity compared to other military and veteran samples. No significant correlations were identified between MIES scores and either religiosity or spiritual injury. These findings draw attention to the engagement of chaplains in supporting veterans affected by PMIEs. Implications for future research are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Moral injury; spiritual injury; veterans