Towards a Holistic Model of Care for Moral Injury: An Australian and New Zealand Investigation into the Role of Police Chaplains in Supporting Police Members following exposure to Moral Transgression.
Andrea J PhelpsKelsey MaddenR Nicholas CarletonLucinda JohnsonLindsay B CareyJean-Michel MercierAndrew MellorJeffrey BaillsDavid ForbesPeter Devenish-MearesFardous HosseinyLisa DellPublished in: Journal of religion and health (2023)
Police members can be exposed to morally transgressive events with potential for lasting psychosocial and spiritual harm. Through interviews with police members and police chaplains across Australia and New Zealand, this qualitative study explores the current role that police chaplains play in supporting members exposed to morally transgressive events. The availability of chaplains across police services and the close alignment between the support they offer, and the support sought by police, indicates they have an important role. However, a holistic approach should also consider organizational factors, the role of leaders, and access to evidence-based treatment in collaboration with mental health practitioners.