The present study constructed a moderated mediation model to examine the effect of self-esteem effects on negtive emotions and the underling mechanisms. Specifically, the present study would examine the mediating role of rethinking rumination in the relation between self-esteem effects on negtive emotions, and test whether the direct effect and the indirect effect would be moderated by coping style and grit scale. Methods: A total of 691 college students (mean age = 19.34 years, SD = 1.26) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires measuring their self-esteem, rethinking rumination, negtive emotions, coping style and grit scale. Results: The results were as followings: (1) after controlling age, gender and major, self-esteem has a negative direct effect on negtive emotions. (2) the rumination between self-esteem and negtive emotions was mediated by coping style and grit scale. The mediation effect was weaker with high level of grit scale, however the mediation effect was stronger with high level of negative coping style. Conclusion: The present study highlights the mediating role of rethinking rumination and the moderating role of coping style and grit scale on negtive emotions. It may contribute to a better understanding of the effects as well as its paths and conditions of self-esteem on negtive emotions. Moreover, it can also provide constructive suggestions for protecting and improving emotional health.