A conceptual framework outlining the use of compassionate mind training following incidents of moral injury within forensic mental health services
Williams, Catrin Cook, Aimee
Williams, Catrin
Cook, Aimee
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.
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.
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Date
2025
Type
Article
Subject
High security facilities, Mental health, Health personnel
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Citation
Williams, C., Cook, A. & Beadsmoore, L. (2025). A conceptual framework outlining the use of compassionate mind training following incidents of moral injury within forensic mental health services. Journal of Forensic Practice, DOI: 10.1108/JFP-11-2024-0067.
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DOI
PMID
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing