A meta-analytic review of the relation between self-esteem level and self-esteem instability

Self-esteem level and self-esteem instability have been regarded as independent dimensions, whereas a negative correlation between the two dimensions of self-esteem has been predicted on the basis of sociometer theory (Leary & Baumeister, 2000). This meta-analysis aimed to reveal the magnitude of the relation between self-esteem level and self-esteem instability. Data from a total of twenty-five studies from twenty articles was collected (N = 2,829). The results showed that self-esteem level was negatively related to self-esteem instability (ρ = −.31). However, the correlation was relatively weak, which suggested that self-esteem level and self-esteem instability were almost independent. The importance of both self-esteem level and self-esteem instability in predicting various outcomes is discussed.