Moderating Effects of Attachment on the Relationship Between Combat Exposure and Moral Injury in OEF/OIF Veterans
Open AccessThe emerging phenomenon of moral injury has gained attention in the wake of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which highlights moral responses of shame and guilt as a result of unprecedented choices and demands in combat, prescribed acts of killing or violence, failing to prevent harm to others, and witnessing cruel and inhuman acts (Maguen & Litz, 2012). Research with military populations has found that certain types of attachment insecurities (avoidant and anxious) correlate with higher levels of maladaptive psychological processes (Mikulincer, Ein-Dor, Solomon, & Shaver 2011; Muller, Sicoli, & Lemieux, 2011; Ozer, Best, Lipsey, & Weiss, 2008). Because moral injury is a more novel concept, there have been no studies to date that have investigated how attachment security relates to the relationship between combat exposure and moral injury symptoms of shame and guilt. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate whether combat exposure and adult attachment security predicted moral injury and whether adult attachment security moderated the relationship between combat exposure and moral injury in OEF/OIF veterans. Data was collected via online self-report survey from 81 U.S. Army veterans. Bivariate correlations and moderated hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that combat exposure and attachment security significantly predicted both shame and guilt; however, attachment security did not have any moderating effects on the relationship between combat exposure and moral injury. Although no moderating effects were found, the current research provides further insight to the unique psychological demands of combat and military environments, which can inform further research investigation and treatment interventions for returning veterans.
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