Work

Not all invisible wounds cause moral injury

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Moral injury, and stakes-dependent invisibility commonly arise from system issues and can lead to profound emotional distress, including feelings of shame and betrayal, but both are often disregarded by institutions. Stakes-dependent invisibility highlights the lack of power, the lack of perceived recognition of one's contribution, and the lack of a voice, resulting in the failure to meet the individual's needs. The mechanism of harm behind moral injury, however, is distinctively different: moral injury goes much deeper, focusing on the internal psychological and ethical damage caused by powerlessness or by actions taken or experienced, which are in direct conflict with the person's own moral compass, violating their own conscience.

Source: BJA Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.2026.100574

Authors: Britta S. von Ungern-Sternberg, Aine Sommerfield, Karin Becke-Jakob

Institutions: The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth Children's Hospital, University Children’s Hospital Basel

Language: English

Topic: Ethics in medical practice

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,870