Using self-esteem instability to disentangle the connection between self-esteem level and perceived aggression

•Stable high self-esteem was associated with low levels of perceived aggression.•Unstable high self-esteem was associated with high levels of perceived aggression.•Low levels of self-esteem were associated with perceived aggression.

Recent debate has considered the connection between self-esteem and aggression. The present study attempted to clarify this association by examining the possibility that self-esteem instability moderates the association that self-esteem level has with aggression. Perceived aggression was measured in 234 (34 men and 200 women) undergraduate participants. These participants were then evaluated by 1078 friends and family members. Self-esteem instability was found to moderate the association between self-esteem level and aggression such that individuals with stable high self-esteem were viewed as being less aggressive than those with unstable high self-esteem or low self-esteem (regardless of whether their low self-esteem was stable or unstable). These findings are discussed in the context of understanding the connection between self-esteem and aggression.