This research aimed to investigate the correlation between subjective well-being and submissive behavior and self-esteem in students in the early adolescent period. The research was completed with a relational design. The research group comprised sixth, seventh, and eighth class middle school students in the spring term of the 2015–2016 academic year in Trabzon province. Data collection tools included a Personal Information Form, Submissive Behavior Scale, Two-Dimensional Self-Respect Scale (Self-Liking and Self-Confidence Scale), Satisfaction with Life Scale and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. The results of the correlation analysis found a significant positive correlation between subjective well-being and self-esteem (r = 0.54, p < 0.01; 95% CI [0.44, 0.61], Cohen's d = 1.28); however, the correlation between subjective well-being and submissive behavior was not significant (r = –0.02, p > 0.05; 95% CI [–0.11, 0.09], Cohen's d = 0.04). There was a significant negative correlation identified between self-esteem and submissive behavior (r = –0.10, p < 0.05; 95% CI [–0.20, –0.01], Cohen's d = –0.20). Additionally, according to our findings, self-esteem accounts for 29% of the variation in well-being (F(1, 367) = 150.79, p < 0.001). The contribution of self-esteem to the subjective well-being explanatory model was found to be significant (sz = 0.54, p < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]