<![CDATA[Mental toughness is an essential psychological resource for helping Gen Z navigate academic, career, and interpersonal challenges. However, experiences of childhood maltreatment can impede the development of their adaptive capacity. Objective: This study examines the internal structure of the Mental Toughness scale, the effects of childhood maltreatment) and peer attachment on mental toughness, and the role of CM as a moderator in these relationships. Methods: This study involved 104 participants using purposive sampling (students of first year & in range of Gen-Z ages) and utilized validated measurement scales for mental toughness (α = 0.916), CM (α = 0.883), and PA (α = 0.907). Data were analysed using CFA and moderation analysis within a regression framework. Results: The CFA indicated that all indicators had significant factor loadings (p < 0.05); statistically, all items contributed to the 4C dimension of Mental Toughness construct. However, this model did not optimally represent the structural framework of mental toughness due to some indicators had low factor loadings. Although most Mental Toughness were found to be significant (R² = 0.173) to childhood maltreatment and peer attachment. CM was found to have a significant negative relationship mental toughness r = -0.416, whereas Peer Attachment had a significant positive relationship only with the Constancy dimension. Furthermore, childhood maltreatment significantly moderated the relationship between peer attachment and mental toughness. Research implication: Future researchers should consider running an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) or integrate other critical psychological resources, such as emotional regulation, self-compassion, resilience, or family/community support systems.]]>
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