Purification Rituals in Suicide Prevention for Combat Veterans with Moral Injury

Published by Cherry Hill SeminaryThe rate of suicides among combat veterans has shown an upward trend despite improved psychological preparation of the warrior before deployment, and the implementation of treatment programs for veterans following exposure to combat stresses. Warrior cultures recognized the need for purification to cleanse their soldiers of the moral stain caused by killing, yet this concept is largely absent in Western culture. The soldier exists as part of a larger community which likewise bears the taint of blood guilt. Reconciliation of the soldier and his community lies at the heart of the transformation of warrior to civilian. Some efforts at treatment for combat veterans with moral injury have suggested that purification rituals might be useful in reducing the shame and guilt which may predispose the individual to suicide.