Abstract
For military veterans struggling with moral injury, forgiveness can become both an animating concern and a potential path to healing. In this perspective piece, we draw on our clinical work and research findings to examine why forgiveness matters to veterans who feel guilt and shame about their actions in war, what type of forgiveness is attainable and meaningful, and what role clinicians can play in facilitating forgiveness. We conclude by reflecting on the potential, as well as the limits and tensions, of forgiveness work in the context of military moral injury.
Highlights
Reviewed by: Mark Kirven Addison, Consultant, Cullman, AL, United States Lindsay B
We draw on our clinical work and research findings to examine why forgiveness matters to veterans who feel guilt and shame about their actions in war, what type of forgiveness is attainable and meaningful, and what role clinicians can play in facilitating forgiveness
If healing from moral injury begins with an honest acknowledgment of one’s actions, how can mental health professionals support the multi-faceted healing process to follow? We argue that forgiveness—especially self-forgiveness—is the cornerstone of this process, helping veterans to work through their guilt and shame, honor their violated values, re-engage with family and community, and gradually restore an integrated moral identity
Summary
“All I knew is I hurt inside and I didn’t know why. I didn’t know why I should feel so bad if I didn’t do anything wrong. Some morally injured veterans engage in years, even decades, of self-punishing behavior, often with only a vague sense of what is driving it Some sabotage their relationships, employment, or other sources of potential happiness, feeling that they don’t deserve anything positive or fulfilling in life. But moral principles like public service and personal responsibility, as well as civic ideals like freedom and democracy, can underlie the choice to serve for many young men and women. When they do serve, values of loyalty, compassion, and camaraderie often motivate their actions, especially when they act to defend the lives of their fellow soldiers. If he assesses that he did make choices or take actions that are not compatible with the person he wants to be, we argue that he must seek and find forgiveness before he can heal
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