Interpersonal guilt and dissociation: The indirect effect of adverse parenting experiences and moderating role of anger

Background Dissociation, a complex construct characterized by disruptions across multiple domains of mental functioning, is closely intertwined with psychopathology, emotion dysregulation, and early adverse experiences. Interpersonal guilt, a form of guilt rooted in relational experiences, is a factor that may contribute to dissociative processes, particularly under overwhelming circumstances. Yet, the interplay between interpersonal guilt and dissociation remains underexplored, alongside the roles of early adverse parenting experiences and the influence of intense emotions such as anger in shaping this relationship. Objective To investigate the association between interpersonal guilt and dissociation. We further examined the indirect effect of early adverse parenting experiences on dissociation through the mediating role of interpersonal guilt, with this mediation moderated by anger. Methods An online sample of 275 participants completed validated self-report measures assessing interpersonal guilt, dissociation, anger and early adverse parenting experiences. Hypothesized relationships were tested using correlation and regression analyses, including mediation and moderated mediation. Results Burdening guilt and self-hate were the interpersonal guilt types most strongly associated with dissociation, with burdening guilt showing a unique association when controlling for the other forms of guilt. Furthermore, burdening guilt mediated the relationship between early adverse parenting experiences and dissociation, and this pathway was amplified under moderate to high levels of anger, underlying anger's moderating role. Conclusions Findings highlight the central role of burdening guilt in shaping vulnerability to dissociation. Early adverse parenting experiences may foster the development of burdening-guilt-related pathogenic beliefs, which in turn could increase susceptibility to dissociation. This vulnerability may be further exacerbated under conditions of heightened anger, emphasizing the moderating role of intense emotions. Clinically, assessing and addressing interpersonal guilt and anger regulation may inform interventions for individuals with dissociative tendencies, particularly those with histories of adverse parenting.