Pastoral Narrative Disclosure

A Community Chaplaincy Evaluation of an Intervention Strategy for Addressing Moral Injury

Authors

  • Lindsay B Carey La Trobe University and Victoria University
  • Matthew Bambling University of Queensland
  • Timothy J Hodgson University of Queensland
  • Nikki Jamieson Griffith University and Flinders University
  • Melissa G Bakhurst University of Queensland
  • Harold G Koenig King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Duke University Medical Center

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.32620

Keywords:

chaplains, bio-psychosocial-spiritual, first responders, healthcare, Moral Injury Skills Training, pastoral care, prison, schools, spiritual care, veterans

Abstract

This study presents a community chaplaincy evaluation of pastoral narrative disclosure (PND) as a structured intervention for addressing moral injury (MI) among individuals who have experienced morally injurious events. Pastoral narrative disclosure is an evidence-based, eight-stage pastoral counselling, guidance and education framework that integrates the principles of both adaptive disclosure and confessional narrative. Previously, PND training was evaluated exclusively among Australian military chaplains (n = 201; Carey et al., 2024). In contrast, this evaluation focuses on community chaplains (n = 76), representing diverse organizations in Australia, including police, healthcare, welfare, prison, school, ambulance and veteran sectors. All participating community chaplains completed the Australian Defence Force Chaplaincy Moral Injury Skills Training (MIST) programme, culminating in the final praxis stage of PND. The evaluation revealed high overall satisfaction with the MIST-PND strategy, with participants reporting a mean satisfaction score of 4.88 out of 5 (n = 76), aligning closely with the satisfaction ratings obtained from military chaplains (? = 4.73/5; n = 201). Qualitative feedback was thematically collated, indicating widespread satisfaction with the (i) MIST programme, (ii) PND strategy, (iii) presenters and (iv) practical application role-plays. A diverse range of suggestions are also noted for potential improvement. Overall, the findings are consistent with those from the military chaplaincy evaluation, highlighting the utility of PND within community contexts. Despite several limitations, the results support the broader application of PND in addressing MI, particularly in community health, veteran and welfare settings, as well as among first responders. These findings justify further implementation of PND and additional research to assess its effectiveness across non-military sectors.

Author Biographies

  • Lindsay B Carey, La Trobe University and Victoria University

    Lindsay B. Carey, MAppSc, PhD, CSM, Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, and School of Allied Health, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.

  • Matthew Bambling, University of Queensland

    Matthew Bambling, MPsych, PhD ACAP, Medical School (Greater Brisbane Clinical School), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

  • Timothy J Hodgson, University of Queensland

    Timothy J. Hodgson, MTh, MSecStud, PhD, School of Historical and Philosophical Enquiry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

  • Nikki Jamieson, Griffith University and Flinders University

    Nikki Jamieson, BSW (Hons), MSuic, PhD, Senior Lecturer (Adjunct), Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, South Australia and School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.

  • Melissa G Bakhurst, University of Queensland

    Melissa G. Bakhurst, BA (Psych Hons), PhD, Alumni, School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.

  • Harold G Koenig, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Duke University Medical Center

    Harold G. Koenig, MHSc, MD, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA, and King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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Published

2025-01-31

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Vol. 12 No. 2 (2024)

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Articles

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How to Cite

Carey, L. B., Bambling, M., Jamieson, N., Bakhurst, M. G., & Koenig, H. G. (2025). Pastoral Narrative Disclosure: A Community Chaplaincy Evaluation of an Intervention Strategy for Addressing Moral Injury. Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 12(2), 165-190. https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.32620