An Interview Study of Beliefs About Confidentiality and Attitudes Towards Disclosure of Moral Injury in the Canadian Armed Forces

Military members often encounter potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) during their service. These encounters can put them at higher risk for developing moral injury, defined as the psychological distress following morally-transgressive situations. If untreated, this can lead to negative health outcomes like depression, suicide ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the rate of help-seeking among military members experiencing mental health issues is low. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate barriers to mental health help-seeking among individuals with CAF experience, including perceived confidentiality of information, and whether PMIEs impact the decision-making process. The sample consisted of 9 individuals with CAF experience aged 26 to 64 years (M = 48.65, SD = 10.01; 1 woman, 8 men). The results of this study indicate that military personnel are not always comfortable sharing information with health care providers. Results should aid policymakers in creating programs to help facilitate help-seeking and utilization in the military