The Neurocorrelates of Morality and the Implications for Moral Injury
| Thursday, May 21, 2026 |
| 4:52 PM - 4:53 PM |
Speaker
Ms Jo Hamilton
Psychologist
Self Employed
The Neurocorrelates of Morality and the Implications for Moral Injury
Abstract Document
Goal: To explore the neuroscience of morality, moral choices and moral injury.
Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
1. Gain an understanding of the neural underpinnings – structural and functional - of morality in humans
2. Gain an understanding of Moral Foundations Theory as well as other theories of human moral decision making that have evolved from these neural underpinnings
3. Consider the impact of the moral brain on moral injury
Overview:
We all have a moral brain. The neurocorrelates of morality have been shown to exist across all brain functions, all lobes, wired into all our neural networks. Moral injury therefore is a whole of brain condition unlike PTSD which (simplistically) could be considered primarily related to the networks involved with fear and salience processing. Understanding the broad underpinnings of the neurocorrelates of morality has implications for treatment. A holistic approach incorporating input from a range of therapeutic services as well as organisational support as part of a broader psychosocial safety culture is vital. This presentation will consider the findings of neuroscience with a particular focus on Moral Foundations Theory as well as other emerging theories of universal and brain based structures of moral decision making and consider these findings with respect to moral injury and treatment.
Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
1. Gain an understanding of the neural underpinnings – structural and functional - of morality in humans
2. Gain an understanding of Moral Foundations Theory as well as other theories of human moral decision making that have evolved from these neural underpinnings
3. Consider the impact of the moral brain on moral injury
Overview:
We all have a moral brain. The neurocorrelates of morality have been shown to exist across all brain functions, all lobes, wired into all our neural networks. Moral injury therefore is a whole of brain condition unlike PTSD which (simplistically) could be considered primarily related to the networks involved with fear and salience processing. Understanding the broad underpinnings of the neurocorrelates of morality has implications for treatment. A holistic approach incorporating input from a range of therapeutic services as well as organisational support as part of a broader psychosocial safety culture is vital. This presentation will consider the findings of neuroscience with a particular focus on Moral Foundations Theory as well as other emerging theories of universal and brain based structures of moral decision making and consider these findings with respect to moral injury and treatment.
Biography
Jo Hamilton is a Psychologist in Private Practice with over thirty years of experience working with trauma, depression and anxiety with members of the Defence Forces, Emergency Services as well as other public organisations and private individuals. Jo is a Specialist Reserve Psychologist with the RAAF. Jo still has ambitions to be an Astronaut. BA (Psych); Grad Dip App Psych; M Couns; M Human Factors; Currently completing a Grad Dip in Neuroscience.
