Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Chet Lesniak

Abstract

Moral injury (MI) can emerge following transgressive acts against one’s deeply held moral beliefs. Its symptomology involves individual psychological, spiritual, behavioral, and social spheres. It has primarily been studied within the military and in a few select civilian populations. This descriptive phenomenological study involved exploring MI themes among adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who had engaged in criminally reckless acts. Data collected from semi-structured interviews with eight participants were coded and analyzed, leading to six major themes revealing the symptomology of MI. Responses from study participants supported Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance via their descriptions of alcohol abuse cycles with repeated acts of driving while intoxicated. Results included the potential impact of MI on maintaining sobriety and eliminating unlawful actions which resulted from alcohol misuse. Moral repair and spiritual growth were the most supportive factors that helped participants reestablish a sense of balance and purpose, heal their MI, and live safely in society with sobriety. Results may be used for positive social change in terms of creating alternative medical and mental health interventions for AUD and developing legal practice reforms to reduce recidivism.

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