Measuring Moral Injury and Its Impacts in Canadian Armed Forces and Public Safety Personnel

Abstract

Military service has been previously identified as a risk factor for adverse mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and suicidal ideation. Existing literature confirms the heightened prevalence of these conditions among armed forces and public safety personnel (PSP) compared to the general population. However, to date there is limited research regarding the interplay between moral injury (MI) and other mental health conditions in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and PSP. Therefore, this body of research investigates the intersection of potentially morally injurious experiences (PMIEs) and mental health outcomes among CAF and PSP, contributing to the growing literature on MI. The dissertation includes three studies presented as three separate articles which have undergone peer-review and publication. Collectively, through mixed-method investigation, the three studies highlight the pervasive impact of PMIEs on mental health outcomes among CAF and PSP populations. In the first study, I qualitatively explore the experiences of CAF members and PSP, highlighting the complex interplay between professional duties and personal well-being, while deepening our understanding of the subjective experiences of morally injurious experiences. Building upon these insights, the second study quantitatively identifies risk factors of moral injury in CAF personnel, including stressful deployment experiences, sexual trauma, and childhood maltreatment. Lastly, the third study examines the associations between moral injury and mental health disorders among CAF personnel and Veterans. Robust relations were found between MI and various mental health conditions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems and tailored interventions to address these complex interplays. Together, these findings elucidate the importance of identifying and addressing the distinct challenges faced by CAF and PSP, to promote well-being and resilience in high-stress occupational environments.