Moral injury and religiosity in active duty U.S. military with ptsd symptoms

This study examined the association between moral injury (MI) and religiosity, the modifying effects of PTSD severity on this relationship, and the receptivity to a spiritual intervention in 103 Active Duty U.S. Military (ADM). Demographic, military, religious, physical, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics were assessed in a convenience sample of ADM. Over 84% reported high levels of one or more MI symptom and 52% indicated 4 or more symptoms at this severity level. Religiosity was inversely related to MI in bivariate analyses (r D-.20, p <.05), although this relationship was explained by age in multivariate analyses. PTSD severity did not moderate this relationship, although it tended to be stronger in older participants with more severe PTSD (r D-.30, p < 0.15). Among those with significant PTSD, two-thirds were interested in a spiritually-integrated treatment for their MI. Symptoms of MI were common in these ADM. Although religiosity was not associated with MI, the majority were interested in a spiritual approach to their symptoms.

Duke Scholars

Author Harold G. Koenig Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Adult Psychiatry & Psychol ...