Overview

Richard E. La Fleur’s, Moral Injury and the American Veteran: Finding Meaning in Trauma, Guilt, and Shame explores how moral injury, the collective manifestation of shame and guilt as a result of betrayal and transgression, experienced by veterans returning from war deeply affects one's ability to recover from traumatic stressful events, and to find meaningfulness in the world. La Fleur combines a phenomenological framework with first-hand testimonies from veterans experiencing moral injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to deepen the reader’s understanding of these life events. Through this approach, he examines two main ideas: (1) moral injury is the main source of guilt and shame experienced by veterans and reduces a person's ability to find meaning in their life or to form meaningful connections with others, and (2) moral injury cannot fully be understood through pathology, rather it invites an integrative approach to explicate an existential healing process for the sufferer. Connecting meaningfulness and the power of lived experiences, this book uses a holistic approach to reveal the human condition. Moral Injury and the American Veteran is an important resource for psychology scholars, religious leaders, health care workers, practitioners, and those who serve our veteran communities.

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9781666901870

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Reviews

Drawing on psychology, philosophy, and even theology, as well as narratives from veterans themselves, Richard E. La Fleur explores the complexities of PTSD to show how all of us, veterans or not, can suffer the pain of 'moral injury.' At the same time, he also shows us the path to meaning and healing that runs through it. This book is an indispensable contribution to our understanding of an under-acknowledged issue. -- William L. Randall, St. Thomas University This courageous book reveals the complexities of veteran experience through an innovative and thoughtful analysis of what we might call the anatomy of moral injury. Brimming with psychological, spiritual, and practical insights, the chapters bring to life the profound challenges of reintegration for both veterans and those who share their lives. La Fleur weaves absorbing case studies and concrete detail with powerful insights from humanistic, existential, and narrative theory, all in a compelling and engaging style. This is an invaluable resource for any professional working with veterans or, indeed, any dedicated student of human nature. -- Lisa M. Osbeck, University of West Georgia Dr. La Fleur conveys insight and compassion on an often misunderstood spiritual trauma impacting military veterans. He seamlessly provides historical context on the role of a US soldier, exploring how traumatic combat experiences can profoundly impact the mind and soul long after discharge. Drawing on years of experience working with veterans—as well as thorough research and sometimes heart-wrenching case studies—La Fleur skillfully differentiates between PTSD and moral injury, and the unique impact of both. -- Don Redmond, Mercer University

Author Information

Richard E. La Fleur is assistant professor of psychology at the University of West Georgia, and is director of a counseling program in Atlanta, Georgia.

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