COVID-19 and Lifetime Experiences of Trauma, Moral Injury, and Institutional Betrayal Among Healthcare Providers

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to increase understanding regarding healthcare provider experiences with psychological trauma, moral injury, and institutional betrayal, both over the lifetime and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional design to understand traumatic experiences, moral injury, and institutional betrayal among medical and mental health providers. Participants were asked to identify an index trauma, and experiences were coded qualitatively using categories for traumatic events, moral injury, and institutional betrayal. Results Results revealed that experiences of trauma, moral injury, and institutional betrayal were common in relation to the pandemic, as were prepandemic histories of traumatic exposures. Findings indicate that trauma exposure was a work hazard for healthcare providers during the pandemic, which could result in negative long-term mental health outcomes. Conclusions Future research is needed to explore potential long-term negative outcomes among healthcare providers.