The current status of moral injury: A narrative review and Rapid Evidence Assessment (2022)

18 March 2026

The narrative review and assessment report

Overview

The aim of this project was to review the literature in relation to how moral injury is conceptualised, models of moral injury, linkages between moral injury and common mental health issues, and the effectiveness of moral injury interventions in veteran and military populations.

In order to answer these questions, a narrative literature review and a REA were conducted.

First Author
Research Publication Type

Rapid Evidence Assessment to support active ageing for veterans

18 March 2026

Technical Report

Evidence Profile

Overview

Findings from the REA identify strategies to support and sustain healthy behaviours as part of active ageing in Australian veterans. The research suggests that interventions that promote an active physical and cognitive lifestyle not only help prevent and combat mental and physical health decline, they also increase quality of life and well-being in later life for all veterans.

Research Provider
Service Period

Risk factors for ex-serving defence personnel to enter corrective services systems

18 March 2026

Rapid Evidence Assessment

Overview

This Rapid Evidence Assessment investigates the research literature analysing the risk factors for ex-serving personnel entering corrective services systems in Australia and/or other relevant jurisdictions. The report examines and synthesises recent research evidence regarding risk factors for entry into corrective services systems by ex-serving personnel across the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

First Author
Research Provider
Service Period

What is the prevalence of risk-taking behaviours in the children of former or current military personnel?

16 March 2026
Overview

This literature review examines the evidence for the prevalence of risk-taking behavior by children of former or current military personnel. Risk-taking behavior is examined by focusing on the evidence for high-risk drinking, illicit drug use and pharmaceutical misuse, dangerous driving, unsafe sex, crime, delinquency and school absenteeism.

First Author
Service Period
Subcategory Topic

Literature review of effects of fuel and solvent exposure on human female reproductive outcomes

16 March 2026
Overview

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to conduct a review of the scientific evidence regarding whether occupational exposures to jet fuels and specified solvents of most relevance to the military were associated with risks to the reproductive health of women.

First Author
Research Provider
Service Period

The role of meditational practices and mindfulness in improving mental health

18 March 2026
Overview

The aim of this rapid evidence assessment (REA) was to assess the evidence related to meditation and mindfulness practices (meditation, transcendental meditation, mantra, yoga, and mindfulness) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in adults.

First Author
Service Period

What is the effectiveness of outreach services for improving mental health?

18 March 2026
Overview

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to assess the evidence related to outreach services for increasing quality of life, promoting access to services, and increasing functioning and mental health among adults with PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, alcohol-use disorder, or substance-use disorder.

First Author
Service Period

‘Stepped-down’ Intervention Programs to Promote Self-managed Physical Activity in Service Veterans and their Dependants

18 March 2026
Overview

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to: 1) examine the scientific literature for evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to promote self-managed physical activity in service veterans and/or their dependants; 2) assess studies that compared the effectiveness of ‘stepped-down’ models of PA self-management to ‘usual care’ controls and; 3) identify key behaviour change techniques that have been used in these studies to successfully promote physical activity change.

First Author
Research Publication Type
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Subcategory Topic

What are effective interventions for veterans who have experienced moral injury?

18 March 2026
Overview

Military personnel are often confronted with situations whereby under extreme conditions, they make decisions, take action or exposed to events that challenge their ethical and moral beliefs. Transgressions of ethical and moral beliefs and inner conflict can arise from such circumstances and lead to potential mental health problems. The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to examine the evidence and efficacy of interventions targeting moral injury in military personnel and veterans. Psychological and interdisciplinary therapies that may be appropriate in targeting symptoms associated with moral injury were identified and assessed for their effectiveness in treating moral injury.

First Author
Service Period
Subcategory Topic

Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study

18 March 2026

Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study

Overview

The 'Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study' led by Mr Robert Cornall AO was released in December 2018. The aim of this study was to recommend the most suitable advocacy model for Australian veterans and families. You can learn more about this in the Terms of Reference.

Read more about reviews and reports on the veteran advocacy system.

First Author
Service Period