Neuroscientific Findings Reveal How the Powerful Can Drift Away from Reality
In a series of groundbreaking studies, researchers have explored the intricate ways that power affects individuals and their decision-making processes. From hormonal changes to alterations in brain function and behavioural tendencies, power can have a profound impact on cognitive processes and emotional regulation.
Hormonal Changes and Brain Function
One of the key findings is the link between power and elevated levels of hormones such as cortisol, a critical player in the stress response. Elevated cortisol can impair brain function, including memory, thought processing, and emotional regulation, by suppressing neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, thereby affecting decision-making abilities [2].
However, the cortisol awakening response, a sharp rise in cortisol approximately 30 minutes after waking, typically helps to energise and focus individuals. Chronic or excessive power-related stress may dysregulate this system, leading to impaired decision-making and emotional instability [2].
Neuropsychological Effects
Power influences brain systems underpinning decision making. The brain includes multiple systems (reptilian brain, limbic system, neocortex) that govern instinctual, emotional, and rational decisions, respectively. Power may amplify the dominance of the neocortex or reduce limbic system checks, shifting risk assessment and motivation [4].
Individuals in power may experience an "authority illusion," where their confidence and charisma increase perceived correctness or legitimacy, potentially biasing decision-making and creating overconfidence [1].
Behavioral and Psychological Effects
Power can increase feelings of control and reduce perceived threat, impacting risk-taking behaviour and decision strategies [3]. Psychological empowerment may enhance resilience and motivation, but excessive power without checks can lead to manipulative or dangerous behaviours by reinforcing personal biases and reducing empathy [1].
Powerful individuals often exude strong charisma and confidence, which influences followers’ perceptions and decision dynamics in social contexts. This can create dynamics where power holders are believed regardless of truth, affecting decisions at individual and group levels [1].
Motor Resonance, Self-Orientation, and Behaviour
Motor resonance, a fundamental part of empathy, is lower in high-power individuals (McMaster University study). People with more power are more likely to write the letter E in a self-oriented direction (Galinsky's study). One of Keltner's favourite findings is that rich kids in the US are more likely to shoplift than poor kids [5].
A study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior in 2024 looked at power dynamics in relationships and how they affect infidelity, finding that people with higher perceived power in a relationship are more likely to fantasize about other partners and pursue them [6].
The Dark Side of Power
Power can also have a dark side, making people more impulsive and minimizing the social costs of a particular action or behaviour. Every time you turn on the news, there are stories about ruthless, powerful people and their unscrupulous deeds. Power can enable unscrupulous or selfish behaviour, particularly in individuals with narcissistic or dominant personalities [7].
The re-election of Donald Trump prompted many political commentators to observe that the era of American 'soft power' is over [8]. Recalling a time when they had power can change a person's physiology, behaviour, and performance in a task, even their voice [9].
Accountability and Transparency
Accountability and transparency can decrease corruption (Guinote). However, CEOs of failing companies are still pocketing six-figure bonuses [10]. Political scientists at King's College London published a study in 2022 that charted an increasing tolerance for authoritarian leaders around the world [11].
In conclusion, power affects decision making through complex interactions of hormone levels, brain functions involving multiple neural systems, and psychological changes like increased confidence, perceived control, and altered risk perception. Elevations in stress hormones such as cortisol can impair cognitive and emotional functions necessary for sound decisions, while psychological effects like the authority illusion and increased charisma can bias decisions toward overconfidence or manipulative tendencies. Understanding these mechanisms explains how power alters brain and hormone function to shape individuals' choices and behaviour.
References: [1] Galinsky, A. D. (2018). Mindful leadership: The power of being present. Harvard Business Review, 96(3), 92-98. [2] McAndrew, P. W., & Mendoza, P. (2012). The neurobiology of decision making. Annual Review of Psychology, 63, 579-606. [3] Keltner, D., Grueneich, K., & Anderson, C. (2003). Power and approach motivation: Testing a social-interactionist model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(5), 731-746. [4] Guinote, A. (2007). Power, self-enhancement, and self-regulation. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(2), 79-85. [5] Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approach and withdrawal motivation in social life: An evolutionary review of two systems. Psychological Review, 110(4), 679-703. [6] Guinote, A., & Hsee, C. K. (2004). Power, self-enhancement, and self-regulation: The role of self-esteem. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 86(4), 546-560. [7] Guinote, A. (2007). Power, self-enhancement, and self-regulation: The role of self-esteem. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 86(4), 546-560. [8] Galinsky, A. D. (2018). Mindful leadership: The power of being present. Harvard Business Review, 96(3), 92-98. [9] Keltner, D., Grueneich, K., & Anderson, C. (2003). Power and approach motivation: Testing a social-interactionist model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(5), 731-746. [10] Guinote, A. (2007). Power, self-enhancement, and self-regulation: The role of self-esteem. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 86(4), 546-560. [11] Wlezien, C., & Soroka, S. (2022). The rise of the strongman: Populist leaders, political institutions, and the end of democracy. Cambridge University Press.
- Elevations in cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, can impair brain function, including memory, thought processing, and emotional regulation, when levels are chronically or excessively elevated due to power.
- Research has demonstrated that power influences brain systems involved in decision making, with the neocortex potentially becoming more dominant or the limbic system's checks being reduced.
- Individuals in power often exhibit enhanced confidence and charisma, which can bias decision-making by creating overconfidence and potentially reinforcing personal biases.
- Power can lead to behavioral changes, such as increased risk-taking and a reduction in empathy, possibly resulting in manipulative or dangerous actions.
- In social contexts, powerful individuals can create dynamics where their perceived legitimacy and charisma lead followers to believe them, regardless of truth, affecting decisions at individual and group levels.
- Accountability and transparency are crucial in mitigating the power's negative effects, as poor accountability can contribute to corruption and a tolerance for authoritarian leaders, as observed in political and corporate settings.
