Moral Injury & Killing in Combat: Research & Clinical Implications

About this Webinar

This presentation begins by defining moral injury and describing a theoretical model that highlights some of the key aspects of moral injury. Killing in war will be described as one example of a potentially morally injurious event that can cause mental health and functional difficulties.

Differences between killing trauma and PTSD-related trauma will be described as well as the differences between moral injury and PTSD. In this context, the relationship between survivor’s guilt and moral injury will be discussed. Assessment and treatment of moral injury will briefly be described. Finally, future potential directions in moral injury research will be highlighted.

Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Define moral injury and describe its mental health and functional impact
• Explain the differences between moral injury and PTSD
• Summarize a causal framework for moral injury
• Describe the relationship between moral injury and survivor’s guilt

Presenter

Shira Maguen, Ph.D.
Professor, UCSF Medical School
Mental Health Director Post-9/11 Integrated Care Clinic
Staff Psychologist, San Francisco VA Medical Center
PTSD Program

Shira Maguen, Ph.D. is Mental Health Director of the Post-9/11 Integrated Care Clinic and Staff Psychologist on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team (PCT) at the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), and Professor in the Dept. of Psychiatry, UCSF School of Medicine. Dr. Maguen was appointed to and is now serving on the Creating Options for Veterans’ Expedited Recovery (COVER) Commission. She is also the San Francisco site co-lead for the VA Women’s Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) and Director of the SFVAHCS PTSD MIRECC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. Dr. Maguen completed her internship and postdoctoral training at the National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System after receiving her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Georgia State University. She is involved with both the research and clinical components of the PTSD program. Her research interests fall under the umbrella of PTSD, moral injury, and suicide, and include risk and resilience factors in veterans, with a particular focus on female veterans. Continue reading  

Continuing Education (CE) Credit

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Continuing Education

• Certificates of completion are available for providers interested in documenting their training activities.

Event Materials

Webinar Flyer (PDF)

Moral Injury Resources (PDF)

Presentation Slides (PDF)