Morally injurious events and post-traumatic embitterment disorder in UK health and social care professionals during COVID-19: a cross-sectional web survey

Abstract

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence and predictors of morally injurious events (MIEs) and post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) in UK health and social care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingSeptember–October 2020 in the UK. Online survey hosted on Qualtrics, and recruited through Prolific.Participants400 health and social care workers, aged 18 or above and living and working in the UK during the pandemic.Main outcome measuresMIEs were assessed using the Moral Injury Events Scale and PTED was assessed using the PTED self-rating scale. Potential predictors were measured using surveys of exposure to occupational stressors, optimism, self-esteem, resilient coping style, consideration of future consequences and personal belief in a just world.Results19% of participants displayed clinical levels of PTED, and 73% experienced at least one COVID-related MIE. Exposure to occupational stressors increased the risk of experiencing PTED and MIEs, whereas personal belief in a procedurally just world, which is the belief that they experienced fair processes, was a protective mechanism.ConclusionsMIEs and PTED are being experienced by UK health and social care professionals, particularly in those exposed to work-related stressors.