Moral injury is the social, psychological, and spiritual harm that arises from a betrayal of one’s core values, such as justice, fairness, and loyalty. Harming others, whether in military or civilian life; failing to protect others, through error or inaction; and failure to be protected by leaders, especially in combat—can all wound a person’s conscience , leading to lasting anger , guilt , and sh
What Is Moral Injury? (Plain Language Explanation)
Moral Injury refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Moral Injury
- Symptoms: The specific ways moral injury shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen moral injury
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When moral injury occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Moral Injury
- Moral Injury is far more common than most people realize
- Moral Injury is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with moral injury see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about moral injury is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing moral injury, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.