Direct or indirect, that is the question: a re-evaluation of extraversion's influence on self-esteem

The primary goal of this study was to explore the nature of the association between extraversion and self-esteem. In addressing this issue two alternative models were examined: a direct effects model, which suggests that extraversion directly influences self-esteem, and a mediating model, which posits that four variables (optimism, positive affect, negative affect, social support) mediate the relationship between extraversion and self-esteem. A total of 278 participants across two universities were administered a packet of questionnaires that assessed the variables of the study. Results from path analyses indicated that two of the four variables, positive affect and social support, significantly mediated the association between extraversion and self-esteem. Furthermore, in both the positive affect and social support path models, the direct effects of extraversion on self-esteem were small and nonsignificant. In contrast, for the negative affect and optimism path models, the direct effects of extraversion on self-esteem were statistically significant. These findings highlight the complex nature of the association between extraversion and self-esteem. Limitations of the study are considered and implications of the results for future research are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.