Researchers from University College London (UCL), the University of Bath, King’s College London, Combat Stress, and NHS partners have published a report in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology. The academics say that moral injury happens when people experience or witness events that clash with their core beliefs, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, or anger. Without the right support, this can develop into serious mental health problems.
While moral injury has been widely studied in professions like healthcare and the military, its impact on prison staff and prisoners has gone largely unrecognised. For prison staff, everyday duties can mean witnessing disturbing events like suicides or self-harm and being unable to intervene, or even using force against prisoners. This takes a heavy psychological toll, contributing to burnout and mental distress.
Prisoners are not immune either. Many struggle with deep guilt over their crimes, especially those committed under pressure or impaired judgment, adding another layer of emotional pain. In the context of the UK’s overcrowded and under-staffed prison system, rising violence, high staff turnover, and a lack of mental health resources leave both staff and prisoners vulnerable to repeated, morally injurious experiences.
What they say
The lead researcher is Dr Victoria Williamson of the University of Bath. She said: “Our findings reveal a serious gap in mental health support for both prison staff and prisoners. This isn’t just a personal issue for those affected – it’s a systemic problem that requires urgent action. If we address moral injury, we can improve mental health, reduce reoffending, and help create a more resilient prison workforce. Supporting staff and prisoners with effective interventions isn’t just ethical – it’s vital for the health of the prison system and our society.”
Co-lead researcher was Dr Danielle Lamb (UCL Epidemiology & Health). She’s supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North Thames. She said: “To address these problems we plan to talk to people working in prisons, and NHS staff who care for prison staff and prisoners, and co-design an intervention to support them.”
Photo by Mark Rowe: Shrewsbury Prison wall.
