The role of guilt-shame proneness and locus of control in predicting moral injury among healthcare professionals

Abstract

Despite the advances in studies conducted among healthcare professionals to explore the impact of the pandemic on their mental health, a large population still continues to display COVID-19 related psychological complaints. There has been recent awareness of moral injury related guilt and shame among doctors and nurses. However, the factors associated with moral injury have not received much attention, due to which the issue still persists. This study aims to explore the role of guilt-shame proneness, and locus of control in predicting moral injury among healthcare professionals. MISS-HP, PGI Locus of Control, and GASP scales were administered to a sample of 806 healthcare professionals. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a significant positive relationship between moral injury and guilt-shame proneness, as well as the locus of control. Regression analysis indicated a significant role of guilt-shame proneness and locus of control in predicting moral injury. In conclusion, while studying moral injury, it becomes equally important to consider these factors to understand the concept better.

Keywords:

• moral conflict
• frontline workers
• ethical dilemma
• pandemic
• healthcare professionals

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of all the healthcare professionals who participated in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data not available due to ethical restrictions.

Ethics declaration

The authors hereby declare that this research involving human participants adheres to the ICMJE guidelines on the Protection of Research Participants. Formal and prospective approval from The Research Conduct and Ethics Committee, Center for Research CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, was obtained. All the participants have provided appropriate informed consent through google forms as a pre-requisite to the main questionnaires.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kirti Singhal

Kirti Singhal is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to be) University, Delhi, NCR campus. She has published a Scopus-indexed journal article on moral injury among Indian healthcare professionals.

Surekha Chukkali

Surekha Chukkali is a professor and Head in the Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to be) University, Delhi, NCR campus. She has many publications to her credit and has developed psychometric assessments on Grit and superstitious beliefs.