Morally injurious events and depression : Examining the role of rumination among combat-deployed military veterans in the community

While depression remains a common psychological disorder among combat military veterans, there is a need to investigate factors that relate to the development and maintenance of this disorder. Potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), perceived transgressions against one’s moral code, are associated with depression. This relationship may be influenced by the level of engagement in brooding rumination.

Therefore, the present study sought to examine the moderating role of rumination in the association between PMIEs and depression. Two hundred three participants were included in the study (77.7% male, 72.2% White), with a mean age of 35.08 years (SD = 8.09). Findings indicated that the association between PMIEs and depression was stronger at higher levels of rumination, suggesting that military veterans who are exposed to PMIEs and engage in more repetitive thoughts centered around negative emotions are at a higher risk for experiencing more severe depression symptoms.