Abstract :
This study examined the role of emotional affect in gender differences in willingness to report interpersonal violence among Gen Z. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used, and data were collected from 340 Gen Z respondents through a structured questionnaire. The study measured gender, emotional affect, and willingness to report interpersonal violence. Emotional affect included fear, shame, guilt, anger, anxiety, and sadness. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that respondents reported high levels of fear, shame, anger, and anxiety, while willingness to report was moderate. Correlation results indicated that fear, shame, guilt, anxiety, and sadness had significant negative relationships with willingness to report, whereas anger had a significant positive relationship. Regression analysis showed that emotional affect significantly predicted willingness to report, explaining 42% of the variance. Fear was the strongest negative predictor, while anger was a positive predictor. Gender differences were also significant, with female respondents showing higher willingness to report than male respondents. The findings suggest that reporting interpersonal violence is influenced by both gender and emotional responses. The study highlights the need for gender-sensitive, confidential, and trauma-informed reporting systems that reduce fear, shame, and anxiety while encouraging safe disclosure among Gen Z.