Moral Trauma

This study introduces the concept of moral trauma, as a specific type of psychological trauma, within the broader field of trauma and stress-related disorders. What happens when human beings act in ways that are incongruent with their own self-endorsed values? What is the relationship between wellbeing and morally congruent behaviour? Acknowledging the dynamics of moral trauma helps suffering individuals, such as Jack, a soldier who served during the Iraq war, to understand and identify the root of his distress. Jack described learning about moral trauma as “giving a face to my pain.” Another young man, suffering from anxiety, insomnia, and chest pain miraculously found that these symptoms disappeared after confronting, and taking responsibility for, his wrong-doing. A young woman stated that her ability to give and receive sexual pleasure in a healthy fashion was dramatically improved after resolving her deep-seated moral conflict. These are a few examples that serve to demonstrate the complexity and impact of moral conflict and human suffering. This research on moral trauma opens new vistas of exploration in understanding the dynamics of morality and mental health.