MORAL DAMAGE AS A FACTOR OF CRIMINOGENIC BEHAVIOR IN MILITARY PERSONNEL

Abstract

This article reveals how moral damage and combat exposure impact
criminogenic behavior in the military. Unlike criminal behavior, criminogenic
behavior has the potential to lead to criminal activity, but does not necessarily result in it. Criminogenic behavior is a prerequisite for criminal behavior. Moral
injury is a construct that describes the combination of shame and guilt
experienced by some war veterans after committing or failing to prevent certain
acts, such as murder or atrocities. Those who have survived captivity, torture, and
the loss of comrades will never perceive the world the same way again. Their
perceptions of what is permissible and unacceptable in war, as well as their
perceptions of crime and punishment, change significantly. Moral damage is
believed to occur as a result of extremely traumatic violent events during war,
such as the killing of civilians or failing to prevent atrocities. This also explains
why some veterans develop potentially life-threatening mental health conditions
after demobilization.