High self-esteem may prevent self-aggression but increase reactive aggression.
German researchers examined whether associations between self-aggression and externalised aggression (reactive and spontaneous aggression) are influenced by current psychopathological symptoms and self-esteem. Reactive aggression is usually used in situations of threat or provocation and involves anger, whereas spontaneous aggression is more proactive, to achieve planned goals. Surveys were completed by 681 participants from the general population and 282 psychiatric patients. A high level of self-esteem appeared to prevent people from showing self-aggression but increase the probability of them showing reactive aggression. People from the general population with high self-esteem also engaged in spontaneous aggression. Among psychiatric patients, the more severe current psychopathological symptoms were, the more likely they were to engage in spontaneous aggression while engaging in self-aggression.
doi.org/10.1002/ab.21825
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