A conceptual framework outlining the use of compassionate mind training following incidents of moral injury within forensic mental health services

Abstract

Purpose: Forensic mental health professionals often face challenging situations that can lead to moral injury. This occurs when individuals' experiences or actions conflict with their values and moral beliefs, leading to psychological distress or discomfort. Moral injury has been shown to be linked with a plethora of adverse psychological health outcomes, and can impair both occupational and personal functioning, including the quality of care delivered to service users. Design/methodology/approach: This paper details how forensic mental health professionals can respond to threat-based thinking, emotions and self-criticism using compassion following incidents of moral injury with compassionate mind training (CMT). Finding(s): CMT has been found to alleviate psychological distress and support development of soothing capabilities (Gilbert and Procter, 2006). Practical implications: This paper describes the central tenets of CMT and how it supports the balancing of three motivational systems: threat, drive and soothing systems. Originality/value: It further highlights the three flows of compassion: compassion from others, compassion towards others and compassion for self and how this can influence staff well-being in relation to moral injury. Copyright © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited.