Cultivating psychological flexibility to address religious and spiritual suffering in moral injury

Abstract

In the current paper, we aim to expand the dialogue about applying psychological flexibility processes to moral injury-related spiritual suffering using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Psychological flexibility is the process of practicing present moment awareness and openness to experiences of emotions and thoughts, while also choosing to engage in actions that are consistent with one’s values. This open, aware, and engaged approach to life fits well with spiritual endeavors. We provide a framework and a case example illustrating how spiritual care providers and Chaplains can use psychological flexibility processes to target spiritual suffering in the context of moral injury.

Keywords:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• chaplain
• moral injury
• psychological flexibility
• spiritual suffering

Additional information

Funding

This paper is based on work supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but does not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.