We analyze emotions, emotional climate, attitude to the past, institutional trust and appreciation of transitional justice processes in a sample of people affected and not affected by political violence in Chile (N = 1278). Direct victims report more negative emotions related to the past and the work of commissions. They perceive a less positive emotional climate, low security, institutional trust and collective hope. However, they report greater pride towards the past and higher levels of purpose in life. Right-wing people report less guilt and shame, more institutional trust and critical assessment of commissions. Those who value the work of truth commissions, consider that they helped to know the truth, promote justice processes, create an inclusive story, ensure that violence does not recur in the future, believe more in victims' forgiveness of perpetrators, perceive a positive emotional climate, and greater intergroup and institutional trust.