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Erschienen in: Journal of Religion and Health 5/2021

16.03.2021 | Original Paper

Moral Injury and the Absurd: The suffering of moral paradox

verfasst von: Wesley H. Fleming

Erschienen in: Journal of Religion and Health | Ausgabe 5/2021

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Abstract

Drawing upon qualitative and construct validity evidence within MI research and the oral histories of combat-exposed Veterans, this paper explores the role of moral paradox (MP) as a precondition of moral injury (MI). Research is recommended to clearly delineate MP as a causative factor leading to more intractable cases of MI in the definitional literature, beyond the recognized impact of perpetration and betrayal-based conditions. Veteran stories collected during the normal course of providing spiritual care to combat-exposed Veterans and used by permission will provide insight into the theoretical concepts and interrelations of MP; proposed here as: circumstances in which moral obligations and/or ethical values come into conflict, forcing a choice between sides, none of which can be honored without violating the other. Acquainted with religious traditions that elucidate the perplexity and liberating effects of paradox, the work of Chaplains will also be recommended to address the problem of MP in wartime situations, highlighting the efficacy of acceptance-based spiritual interventions and therapeutic programs. Psychological and spiritual interventions that facilitate self-transcendence and non-dual awareness through experiential acceptance and a subscale measuring paradox-induced injury will be recommended for future research as well.
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Metadaten
Titel
Moral Injury and the Absurd: The suffering of moral paradox
verfasst von
Wesley H. Fleming
Publikationsdatum
16.03.2021
Verlag
Springer US
Erschienen in
Journal of Religion and Health / Ausgabe 5/2021
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-021-01227-4

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