Exploring Moral Injury In Forensic Service Users (version 1).
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A phenomenological understanding of moral injury experienced by service users detained in secure psychiatric settings.
IRAS ID
346238
Contact name
Fiona Sweeney
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
Moral injury is the term used to describe the distress that arises from events that transgress deeply held moral beliefs (Litz et al., 2009). Moral injury has typically been explored within military populations (Griffin et al., 2019; Williamson et al., 2021). More recently, research has identified moral injury as relevant across a range of populations (Čartolovni et al., 2021; Hoffman et al., 2019).
At present, few studies have been conducted to explore moral injury in those detained within forensic services (Alexander et al., 2023; Roth et al., 2022; Starch 2023). Whilst support for the relevance of the concept has been generated, knowledge is limited in relation to its impact upon identity, wellbeing, and rehabilitation. In addition, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the current definition of moral injury (Atuel et al., 2021; Barr et al., 2022; Litz, 2023).
Consequently, this research which adopts a qualitative methodology seeks to advance the conceptual understanding of moral injury through exploring the lived experiences of those residing within secure psychiatric settings. As part of this, both service users and professionals will participate in semi-structured interviews to explore the relevance of moral injury and how it seeks to impact on wellbeing, risk, and recovery. Generating a greater understanding of moral injury in this population may provide imperative information about how moral injury impacts upon individuals identity, their coping strategies, and risk. Furthermore, enhancing the conceptual understanding of moral injury within forensic settings seeks to improve recognition and understanding of the experience. Consequently, the research could support in the development of interventions, policy, and systemic changes that may seek to mitigate moral injury thus improving wellbeing and reintegration back into society.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0257
Date of REC Opinion
19 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion