The Moral Weight of Trauma: Understanding the Psychological Impact of Moral Conflict

Moral values are central to how we perceive ourselves and shape our understanding of who we are and what gives life meaning. We generally tend to perceive ourselves as morally right and act according to our moral compass, navigating between what is right and wrong. However, in certain circumstances, our moral compass falters, and we may act in violation of our moral standards or witness others doing so. Such moral transgressions can range from seemingly minor acts, such as dishonesty, to severe moral violations, including physical harm. Moral transgressions often generate moral conflict and, in some cases, lasting psychological consequences resulting in moral distress and ultimately moral injury. This dissertation examines the impact of moral transgressions on mental health in three distinct groups using mixed-methods designs: refugees, police officers, and emerging adults. Each group is confronted with traumatic and morally distressing events, albeit in different contexts. The findings demonstrate that moral injury and posttraumatic stress can appear as separate constructs but may also co-occur, intensifying psychological distress. Exposure to both one’s own moral violations and those committed by others is associated with a greater mental health burden than exposure to either type of transgression alone. Furthermore, the results underscore how negative thoughts and the way we remember events —such as the details of those memories and how central they feel to our life story— play a role in how individuals experience and cope with moral conflict. By integrating perspectives across populations and highlighting key emotional-cognitive processes, this dissertation contributes to a deeper understanding of trauma and moral conflict. These insights have significant implications for the development of targeted interventions designed to alleviate the mental health burden of individuals exposed to moral transgressions.