Date of Conferral

2-20-2024

Date of Award

February 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Denise Horton

Abstract

The process of reintegration after military combat service is a difficult path for many veterans. Countless studies have been conducted examining the effects of trauma secondary to military service that result in posttraumatic stress disorder and other related consequences. However, moral injury (MI) related to the shame and guilt experienced by veterans has been of particular interest among mental health providers. Researchers have investigated the effects of forgiveness as a moderator between MI and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Gaps remain in the current mental health literature regarding the effect of self-forgiveness as a moderator between MI and PTG among combat veterans. The present study examined the effects of self-forgiveness as a moderator between MI and PTG. Combat veterans were recruited via a veteran podcast website and an internet survey collection platform was used to collect data to examine whether high self-forgiveness correlates with reduced MI and increased PTG. Multiple regression was used to explain the relationship between MI, self-forgiveness, and PTG followed by a moderation analysis to examine the causal effect of self-forgiveness between MI and PTG. Findings from the research showed the interaction between self-forgiveness and MI significantly improved PTG. The findings of the study may help service agencies implement screening instruments to identify MI traits among service members deploying to combat theaters. The results of this study have potential implications for positive social change through outcomes such as creating clinical interventions associated with life meaning and purpose and the successful reintegration of combat veterans into society.

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