Project Outcome Measure of Success Number of Beneficiaries Timescale Outcome 1: Explore the experiences of moral injury in UK military veterans; In incorporating both clinician and veteran perspectives, this study will produce a deeper understanding of the existence and prevalence of moral injury in UK AF veterans and the types of events that are perceived to be morally injurious in this context. This study will also yield findings regarding the experience of moral injury in UK AF veterans and how the morally injurious event(s) impacted their ethical or moral code. As moral injury has never been examined in a UK AF context, the nature, prevalence and impact of moral injury is unknown. However, US estimates suggest up to 60% of deployed service personnel may experience morally injurious events resulting in significant psychological distress1,17. Outcome 2: Investigate the impact of injury on veteran mental health and wellbeing The results will provide rich data regarding the morally injurious impact on veteran physical health and emotional wellbeing. This study will provide information on the impact of moral injury exposure on UK AF veterans thoughts, feelings and behaviours and whether event exposure has contributed towards any significant life changes (e.g. changes to family life, self-care, spirituality, etc.). Outcome 3: Examine veteran and clinician perceptions of potential risk and protective factors for mental health difficulties following moral injury This project will a thorough understanding of clinician/veteran perceptions of potential risk and/or protective factors for psychological adjustment difficulties following moral injury. Outcome 4: Explore clinicians’ experiences of and challenges faced in providing psychological This study will provide insight into experiences and challenges faced by clinicians in providing psychological treatment for veterans with moral injury related mental health problems. As part of the challenges faced in providing this care, the proposed study will examine how the ethical
treatment to UK AF veterans following moral injury. implications of disclosures of moral injury are managed in a clinical context. Outcome 5: Examine veteran and clinician perceptions of (need for) formal and informal support following injury. This project will provide in-depth information regarding both UK AF veterans and clinicians views of the formal psychological support offered for veterans who have experienced moral injury related mental health problems and whether any supplements are perceived to be needed to veteran mental health treatment in cases of moral injury exposure. This study will also examine clinician and veteran views regarding informal support following moral injury, whether informal support is available, and how it may impact psychological adjustment. Outcome 6: Widespread dissemination of the study findings Publication of the results in high impact scientific journals. Results also to be disseminated at national and international, high-profile conferences to maximise engagement of the academic and clinical community with the findings. A summary of the findings aimed at mental health workers will be available online, with the findings also distributed to relevant adult services (e.g. Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, NHS). The purpose of the summary will be to improve mental health workers understanding of moral injury and its potential presentation in UK AF veterans, generate discussion on strategies to improve mental health treatments following exposure to potentially morally injurious experiences in this sample, as well as the training/support needs of clinicians providing treatment.