Running Head: POWER AND AGGRESSION 1
The Interaction Between Self-Esteem and Power & Self Esteem and Aggression
POWER AND AGGRESSION 2
The Interaction Between Self-Esteem and Power & Self Esteem and Aggression
Multiple studies have confirmed the relationship between self-esteem and power, and
power and aggression. Higher levels of power correlates with higher levels of confrontational
behavior (Keltner, Gruenfeld, & Anderson, 2003). Also, more power is related to increased
aggression in the form stereotyping (Fiske, 1993).
Baumeister, Smart, & Boden (1996) found that egotism, high self-esteem, had a positive
relationship with aggression. Inversely, self-discrepancy, the disparity between the actual self
and the “ought” self, produces factors of aggression such as agitation-related emotions,
dejection-related emotions, confusion-related emotions, and anger-related emotions (Higgins,
1987). It stands to reason then that people who possess higher statuses of power display more
