Understanding the effects of moral injury in veterans
Official title: The Prevalence and Functional Impact of Moral Injury in Veterans
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11191473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how experiences that clash with veterans' moral beliefs, known as moral injury, affect their mental health and daily lives, and it aims to create a helpful tool to measure these experiences so we can better support veterans who are struggling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003915-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11191473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have experienced morally injurious events during their service.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not served in the military or have not experienced morally injurious events may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the psychological and social impacts of moral injury (MI) among veterans, which can occur when they experience or witness events that conflict with their moral beliefs. The study aims to identify how prevalent these experiences are within the veteran population and to develop a reliable assessment tool for measuring the severity of MI. By examining various types of morally injurious events, the research seeks to understand their unique effects on veterans' mental health and overall functioning. The findings could help inform clinical care and support for veterans dealing with MI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for veterans suffering from moral injury.
How similar studies have gone: While moral injury is a relatively new area of focus, preliminary studies suggest that understanding its impact can lead to significant advancements in mental health care for veterans.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Litz, Brett T — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Litz, Brett T
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.