The therapeutic role of self-transcendence in moral injury recovery: theory, mechanisms, and clinical implications - Takeaways - MDSpire

The therapeutic role of self-transcendence in moral injury recovery: theory, mechanisms, and clinical implications

  • By

  • Wesley H. Fleming

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Moral injury (MI) involves disruptions in moral identity and self-appraisals following exposure to potentially morally injurious events.

  • 2

    Self-transcendence (ST) is proposed as a mechanism for MI recovery, characterized by reduced self-focus and expanded awareness.

  • 3

    Mindfulness practices may cultivate ST, promoting cognitive flexibility and adaptive integration of morally disruptive experiences.

  • 4

    Standard PTSD interventions show limited efficacy for MI, highlighting the need for approaches targeting moral and existential disruptions.

  • 5

    The paper reviews ST mechanisms and their relevance to MI, suggesting ST may serve as a transdiagnostic mechanism in MI interventions.

Original Source(s)

The therapeutic role of self-transcendence in moral injury recovery: theory, mechanisms, and clinical implications

  • by Wesley H. Fleming

  • June 10, 2026

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