HASP-FP - Responsive Forensic Practice Webinar

Join Dr. Rahmanara Chowdhury (strand leader for the Responsive Forensic Practice theme of the research group) for an overview of work in this area. She will be joined by Fiona Sweeney, who will be providing insights from her research into moral injury in secure healthcare settings.

Abstract

Introduction: Moral injury is the term used to describe the distress that arises from events that transgress deeply held moral beliefs (Litz et al., 2009). Moral injury has typically been explored within military populations (Griffin et al., 2019; Williamson et al., 2021). However, more recently, research has identified moral injury as relevant across a range of populations (Čartolovni et al., 2021; Hoffman et al., 2019). At present, few studies have been conducted to explore moral injury in those detained within forensic services and the morality of those with forensic histories has been long debated (Alexander et al., 2023; Roth et al., 2022; Starch 2023). Despite this, support for the relevance of the concept within forensic populations has been generated (Steen et al., 2003). However, current knowledge is limited in relation to its impact upon identity, wellbeing, risk, and recovery which underpins the aim of this empirical research.

Method: This research seeks to explore the lived experiences of moral injury from those residing in forensic psychiatric settings. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse data gathered from semi-structured interviews with practitioners and service users. Following this multi-perspective IPA was employed to analyse convergence and divergence between the directly related groups, allowing for deeper exploration of moral injury and its relational components.

Results: The research identified a complex trajectory towards moral injury, which significantly affected service users cognitive and emotional processes. Findings highlighted the profound impact of moral injury on risk to self and others which perpetuates the very existential threat evoked in response to morally injurious events. Despite this however, a pathway to healing was identified with emphasis placed on the importance on collective responsibility.

Conclusion and implications for practice: This research highlights both the relevance and nuances of moral injury within forensic populations. Results demonstrate the impact of moral injury on both wellbeing and identity, and identify distinct pathways between harm and healing. The findings from this research will hopefully inform the development of interventions, policy, and systemic changes that may seek to mitigate moral injury thus improving wellbeing and reintegration back into society for those convicted of offences.