Developing therapy to help veterans recover from moral injuries after combat
Official title: Consulting after Combat: Interviewing Service Members and Veterans to Develop a Therapy to Restore Functioning and Reintegration after Moral Injury Events
Funded at Olin Teague Veterans Center · NIH-10938042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is for veterans who have gone through tough experiences in combat and are feeling distressed; it aims to create a supportive group therapy program where they can share their stories and work together to heal and improve their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Olin Teague Veterans Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Temple, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2021 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX003495-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are combat veterans suffering from PTSD related to morally injurious events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced combat or do not have PTSD related to moral injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on veterans who have experienced potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) during combat, which can lead to significant psychological distress and functional impairment. The project aims to create a group therapy manual that addresses the unique challenges faced by these veterans, allowing them to discuss their experiences in a supportive environment with peers who understand their struggles. By exploring the connections between their symptoms, life stressors, and past experiences, the therapy seeks to restore their sense of identity and improve their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with effective therapeutic tools to alleviate the psychological burdens associated with moral injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of addressing moral injuries in veterans is relatively novel, existing therapies for PTSD have shown success, suggesting potential for this targeted intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Olin Teague Veterans Center
Temple, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien, Sheila Frankfurt — Olin Teague Veterans Center
- Study coordinator: O'brien, Sheila Frankfurt
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.