Abstract:   A large body of researches have examined the relationship between aggression and self-esteem. Yet the findings are still inconclusive. A meta-analysis was conducted. Eighty-one relevant studies met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The results indicated a moderate but negative correlation between self-esteem and aggression. Further moderating analysis revealed that 1) aggression was similarly and negatively associated with explicit self-esteem and implicit self-esteem; 2) aggression was positively associated with self-esteem instability and contingent self-esteem; 3) the relationship between aggression and self-esteem varied with grade and measurement. Future studies should examine the relationship between aggression and the heterogeneity of self-esteem.

Key words: self-esteem, aggression, meta-analysis