Effects of Resilience Strength Training on Constructs Associated with Moral Injury among Veterans

Abstract

Resilience Strength Training (RST) is a peer specialist program that incorporates a military squad model of group trust and bonding to address problems specific to moral injury (typically involving collapse of meaning or faith, loss of trust, self-isolation, and the failure of relationships). The training program was offered to 97 male and female veterans (ages 24-73) at two Volunteers of America (VOA) affiliates. The veterans completed measures related to moral injury prior to RST training, immediately upon completion, and 6 months after the training. RST significantly improved their reported post-traumatic growth, perceived meaning in life, propensity to trust, dispositional optimism, positive attitudes toward themselves, personal self-esteem, and sleep quality, while decreasing their dependence on both alcohol and sleep medications. These improvements were more pronounced immediately after RST but remained significant on most measures 6 months after training had ended. The results are interpreted as supportive of RST as a vehicle for addressing moral injury in veterans through development of self-calming strategies, communication skills, and self-esteem, as well as development of a peer-supported community with shared experiences.