The study aims to determine the mean effect size of the relationship between distributed leadership and academic optimism using the meta-analysis method. The study performed a meta-analysis of articles and theses. 11 independent studies (Ntotal = 31,308) regarding the relationship between distributed leadership and academic optimism were included in the study’s scope. The publication bias analysis concluded that there was no publication bias in the meta-analysis study. The Fisher ɀ coefficient was utilized in the mean effect size analysis performed according to the random effects model. As a result of the research, it was determined that the mean effect size of the relationship between distributed leadership and academic optimism was at a moderate level. According to the results of the subgroup analyses that can explain the relationship differences, it was concluded that there was a significant difference in terms of publication year, type of study, sample group, education level, and the country where the data were collected.