# Ethical and epistemological considerations in applying moral injury (MI) concepts to refugee populations

## TL;DR

This paper explores ethical and conceptual challenges of applying moral injury concepts, developed for veterans, to refugee populations.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the need to adapt moral injury frameworks to better fit the unique experiences of refugees.

## Key findings

- The clinical conceptualization of moral injury may not suit refugee populations.
- Ethical and epistemological issues arise from applying veteran-focused concepts to refugees.
- Adapting frameworks is essential to meet the needs of refugee communities.

## Abstract

Empirical research on moral injury (MI) has rapidly evolved since 2009. Originally developed to address the moral dimensions of traumatic experiences among US veterans, MI has also found application in the context of traumatized refugees. This paper delves into the ethical and epistemological questions that arise when applying a concept originally rooted in a qualitatively distinct experience and a demographically different population to refugees. It is argued that the prevailing clinical and psychological conceptualization of MI may not adequately accommodate the unique needs and experiences of refugee populations. This examination underscores the imperative of conceptualizing to better serve the ethical and epistemic demands of refugee communities.