Changes in Trauma-Related Cognitions and Emotions After Eliciting Moral Elevation: Examining the Effects of Viewing Others' Virtuous Behavior on Veterans with PTSD.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Single-arm before-and-after experimental study without a control group
PubMed 35434727 · doi:10.3389/frhs.2021.831032
What was done
Thirty-eight veterans with probable PTSD completed an experimental session assessing trauma-related cognitions and emotions. Participants completed baseline assessments after writing a trauma narrative (T1) and repeated them after watching two videos designed to elicit moral elevation (T2). State elevation was measured after each video, and associations between elevation levels and outcome changes were evaluated while controlling for general positive affect.
What was found
Veterans experienced statistically significant decreases from T1 to T2 in self-blame (d = 0.36), negative beliefs about others (d = 0.46), guilt (d = 0.68), shame (d = 0.60), and negative beliefs about self (d = 0.69). Higher reported state elevation was associated with significantly greater reductions above general positive affect for shame (β = -0.42, SE = 0.17, p = .019, Δf² = 0.25), negative view of others (β = -0.34, SE = 0.16, p = .044, Δf² = 0.20), and negative view of self (β = -0.31, SE = 0.13, p = .019, Δf² = 0.54).
Why it matters
This study provides preliminary evidence that experiencing moral elevation can temporarily mitigate trauma-related negative emotions and maladaptive beliefs, highlighting a potential novel target for PTSD interventions.
Limits
The study was limited by a small sample size (N = 38) and the absence of a control group or control video condition to rule out natural symptom decay or general positive media effects. Assessments were restricted to immediate post-induction responses without longitudinal follow-up, and participants were identified through probable rather than clinician-confirmed PTSD.
Cited by
- supports Observing acts of service or charity induces a state known as moral elevation in humans.