Moral Injuries

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A psychologist's paradigm-shifting exploration of moral injury—the wound we suffer when our core values are violated by what we've done, failed to do, witnessed, or been compelled to accept—and how to begin to repair it. An invisible malady is reshaping the emotional core of our institutions, communities, and inner lives. This ailment fractures our sense of self, erodes our trust in others, and leaves us questioning not only what has happened to us but also who we've become. It arises in high-stakes moments when we are compelled—or sometimes choose—to participate in, witness, or remain silent as our deepest principles are violated. And it's reaching epidemic levels throughout our society. This condition is known as moral injury. More than stress or trauma, moral injury is a rupture of conscience, itself, signaled by shame, guilt, anger, alienation, and loss of trust. Often confused with PTSD, which is a reaction to