Understanding Moral Elevation in PTSD and Moral Injury

The research by Dr. Adam McGuire explores the role of moral elevation in PTSD and moral injury, emphasizing how witnessing virtuous behaviors triggers emotional and physical responses leading to a desire for imitating virtuous acts. By integrating prosocial emotions into trauma treatment, the positive impact of moral elevation on mental health and social functioning can be harnessed. Implementing practices to elevate moral sentiments can potentially reduce symptoms of PTSD and moral injury, encouraging group engagement and fostering resilience.

• Moral Elevation
• PTSD
• Moral Injury
• Trauma Treatment
• Prosocial Emotions

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Uploaded on Sep 12, 2024 | 0 Views

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1. The Role of Moral Elevation in PTSD and Moral Injury Adam McGuire, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans Texas A&M University Baylor University

2. Outline Background Define Moral Elevation Link with PTSD and Moral Injury What s Next? Research Focus: Integrating prosocial or other-praising emotions into trauma treatment

3. Medical Model for Trauma

4. Positive Overload Model

5. Integrated Model Positive Emotions Engagement Relationships Meaning Achievement

6. What is Moral Elevation? 1) Trigger 2) Response 3) Behavior Witness a virtuous behavior Emotional & physical changes Desire to imitate virtuous behavior I want to become a better person Emotional: Inspired Uplifted Moved I want to do something good for another Physical: Warmth in chest Lump in throat Chills/tingles Tears in eyes I want to demonstrate BRAVERY, too

7. Benefits Moral elevation leads to improved mental health symptoms and greater social functioning PTSD and moral injury lead to distressing symptoms and significant impairment

8. Moral Elevation and Trauma 1) Trigger 2) Response 3) Behavior Witness a virtuous behavior Emotional & physical changes Desire to imitate virtuous behavior Avoidance & Isolation Emotional Numbing No one can be trusted MI

9. Moral Elevation in Treatment Elevation by Group Measure Walk the Walk Award: In the past week, who demonstrated exemplary effort and behavior during treatment?

10. Moral Elevation in Treatment Higher moral elevation linked with more group engagement, lower PTSD avoidance symptoms, and lower moral injury distress

11. Whats Next? Phase 1: Experimental Study Cognitive, emotional, & physiological changes Phase 2: Develop specific interventions

12. Thank You! EMAIL: adam.mcguire@va.gov