The Research Desk
Moral sensitivity helps Ukrainians find growth after trauma, while moral injury leads to negative outcomes.
Posttraumatic growth and depreciation among Ukrainians: a structural equation modelling approach.
- Resilience
- Growth
Mezhenska, M., Neumann, C., Contractor, A.
In plain language
This research explores how Ukrainians affected by war experience posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic depreciation (PTD), focusing on the roles of moral injury and moral sensitivity. Using a large national sample, the study examines how war-related stressors and disruptions in core beliefs influence these outcomes. The researchers found that moral injury and moral sensitivity play distinct roles in shaping whether individuals experience growth or depreciation after trauma.
The study reveals that while moral injury is linked to negative outcomes, such as posttraumatic depreciation, moral sensitivity is associated with positive outcomes, such as posttraumatic growth. This suggests that individuals who maintain a heightened awareness of moral dimensions may better adapt and find growth opportunities despite ongoing stressors like war.
Key findings
- War-related stressors and core-belief disruption explained substantial variance in PTSD symptoms.
- Moral injury uniquely predicted posttraumatic depreciation but not posttraumatic growth.
- Moral sensitivity predicted posttraumatic growth but not posttraumatic depreciation.
- Indirect pathways showed that war-related stressors were associated with higher posttraumatic depreciation through PTSD and moral injury.
- Moral sensitivity mediated the relationship between war-related stressors and posttraumatic growth.
Why it matters
This research highlights the importance of moral sensitivity in promoting resilience and growth in the face of trauma. Understanding these pathways can help individuals and communities foster positive psychological outcomes even in adverse conditions.
Try this today
Individuals can focus on developing moral sensitivity, which may help them find growth opportunities after traumatic experiences. Communities and mental health professionals might consider interventions that enhance moral sensitivity to support resilience and posttraumatic growth.