Gender as a moderating variable in the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and guilt in adolescents

Childhood traumatic experiences are associated with the development of self-conscious emotions such as guilt during adolescence; however, the role of gender in this relationship remains insufficiently understood, particularly in Latin American contexts. This study aimed to examine whether gender moderates the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and guilt in adolescents in Trujillo, Peru. A cross-sectional design was employed with a non-probabilistic sample of adolescents ( N  = 200). Childhood trauma was assessed using the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen, and guilt was measured using the Guilt and Shame Experience Scale (GSES). Moderation analysis was conducted to examine the interaction between trauma and gender. The results indicated that childhood traumatic experiences were significantly associated with guilt. Gender also showed a significant effect and moderated this relationship. Specifically, the association between trauma and guilt was significant among male adolescents but not among females, indicating gender-based differences in trauma-related emotional processing. These findings highlight the relevance of gender in understanding the relationship between childhood trauma and guilt during adolescence. The study provides evidence from a Latin American context and underscores the need for gender-sensitive approaches in the assessment and intervention of trauma-related emotional outcomes, supporting the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies aimed at reducing psychological distress in adolescents.