Date of Award
12-1-2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Education
First Advisor
McDaniel, Justin
Abstract
This dissertation explored the relationship between moral injury and empowerment among African American veterans enrolled at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Moral injury, defined as psychological distress arising from violations of deeply held moral values, remains a significant barrier to veterans’ reintegration. Empowerment, conceptualized through personal growth, connectedness, and community impact, may buffer these effects and promote resilience. Methods A quantitative correlational design was employed with a sample of 39 African American veterans. Moral injury was measured using the Moral Injury Purchase Task (MIPT), a behavioral economic assessment of willingness to seek relief from morally injurious experiences. Empowerment was measured with the Empowered Veteran Index (EVI), which demonstrated strong reliability and construct validity in this population. Regression analyses examined associations between empowerment domains and moral injury indices, while institutional type (PWI vs. HBCU) was assessed as a potential moderator.ResultsFindings indicated that Personal Growth was negatively associated with moral injury persistence, and Connectedness was inversely related to moral injury intensity. Although institutional type did not significantly moderate these associations, veterans at HBCUs reported greater connectedness and higher demand for services, suggesting that culturally affirming environments foster openness to support and reinforce empowerment. Implications Results highlight the importance of institutional and policy initiatives that enhance empowerment as a pathway to reduce moral injury. Practical recommendations include peer-support networks, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities for veterans. These findings provide guidance for higher education institutions and veteran support agencies in fostering resilience and academic success among African American veterans.
Access
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