The Role of Social Determinants of Health in Moral Injury: Implications and Future Directions

Curr Treat Options Psychiatry. 2022;9(3):202-214. doi: 10.1007/s40501-022-00272-4. Epub 2022 Jun 20.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) and the development of moral injury have yet to be conceptualized as they relate to social determinants of health (SDoH).Recent Findings.In this paper, the extant literature on moral injury and SDoH is reviewed. Specific individual-level SDoH, including gender, sex, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity, are explored relative to PMIEs and moral injury. The relationship among environmental SDoH, including childhood environment, justice involvement, and homelessness, is described.

Summary: Assessment and treatment implications are discussed, and future research directions highlighting the need for additional work addressing health inequities in moral injury are presented.

Keywords: Moral distress; Moral injury; Potentially morally injurious events; Social determinants of health.

Publication types

  • Review