To reflect the complex phenomena of child sexual abuse (CSA), studies should examine possible gender specificities and explore potentially explanatory mechanisms. The current study aimed to test the moderating effect of gender in the mediated relationship between CSA, self-esteem, and delinquency during adolescence. A moderated mediation model was tested among a representative sample of 8,194 high school students (57.8% girls and 42.2% boys) age 14 to 18 in the province of Quebec in Canada. Results showed that self-esteem has an indirect effect on the relationship between CSA and delinquency. Gender (being a boy) was associated with a higher level of self-esteem and an increased risk of delinquent behaviors. Among victims of CSA, boys reported lower levels of self-esteem than girls, which was associated with an increased risk of displaying delinquent behaviors. Self-esteem may be an important target of intervention for sexually abused youth, especially for boys. Focusing on promoting positive self-esteem may also reduce the risk for male adolescents struggling with the deleterious consequences of delinquency.

为了反映儿童性虐待 (CSA) 的复杂现象，研究应检查可能的性别特征并探索潜在的解释机制。目前的研究旨在测试性别在青春期 CSA、自尊和犯罪之间的中介关系中的调节作用。在加拿大魁北克省 14 至 18 岁的 8,194 名高中生（57.8% 的女生和 42.2% 的男生）的代表性样本中测试了一个有调节的中介模型。结果表明，自尊对CSA与犯罪之间的关系有间接影响。性别（作为男孩）与更高的自尊水平和犯罪行为的风险增加有关。在 CSA 的受害者中，男孩报告的自尊水平低于女孩，这与表现出不良行为的风险增加有关。自尊可能是受性虐待青年，尤其是男孩的重要干预目标。专注于促进积极的自尊也可以降低男性青少年因犯罪的有害后果而苦苦挣扎的风险。