The Neuroscientific Perspective on How the Powerful May Drift Away from Reality
In a world where power often dictates the course of events, a growing body of research suggests that this coveted position can have profound effects on individuals, altering their perception and behavior in ways that are not always beneficial.
A study conducted by psychologist Adam Galinsky of Columbia Business School reveals that high-power individuals struggle to see the world from other people's perspectives, a finding supported by research from King's College London that charts an increasing tolerance for authoritarian leaders.
This shift in perspective can lead to corruptive behavioral changes, as powerful individuals display more unethical behaviors such as lying, cheating, and reduced empathy. For instance, research from the University of California, Berkeley, has observed that powerful people are more likely to lie during negotiations, cheat in games, and take items meant for others without hesitation.
Power's influence extends to the brain, impairing areas involved in social awareness and ethical decision-making. This impairment, somewhat analogous to the effects of substance abuse on the prefrontal cortex that governs judgment and impulse control, shares characteristics with changes seen in addiction—such as altered dopamine-related reward pathways and diminished regulation of impulses and emotions—potentially reinforcing risky or unethical behavior.
However, it's crucial to distinguish between corruptive power and psychological empowerment. Empowerment, especially when focused on intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral aspects, is associated with positive outcomes such as responsible decision-making and prosocial behavior.
Professor Dacher Keltner, co-director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, sheds light on the complexities of power. He notes that while power can boost optimism, confidence, and help people see the big picture, it can also lead to impulsive behavior and decreased empathy and compassion.
Interestingly, Keltner points out that there is evidence that power is a corruptive force, citing one of his favorite findings: rich kids in the US are more likely to shoplift than poor kids.
The impact of power extends beyond the individual, influencing society at large. For example, a study found that BMW drivers are more likely to drive through pedestrian zones compared with people who drive 'lower status' vehicles.
Moreover, power can have positive effects, such as boosting optimism, confidence, and helping people see the big picture. However, it's essential to strike a balance, ensuring that power does not lead to impulsive behavior and decreased empathy and compassion.
In conclusion, long-term power can distort an individual's perception and behavior, often encouraging unethical, greedy, and socially irresponsible actions by altering brain processes linked to impulse control and ethical judgment. However, fostering psychological empowerment rather than mere status or dominance may mitigate these negative effects and promote healthier behavioral patterns.
- The field of neuroscience has highlighted how power influences brain processes, impairing areas involved in social awareness and ethical decision-making, akin to the effects of substance abuse on the prefrontal cortex.
- Research in health-and-wellness, particularly psychological empowerment, suggests that it is associated with positive outcomes like responsible decision-making and prosocial behavior.
- Scientific experiments have shown that power, if not managed adequately, can lead to impulsive behavior, decreased empathy, and compassion, analogous to the corruptive influence seen in addiction.
- In the realm of mental health, there is evidence that prolonged exposure to power can result in altered dopamine-related reward pathways and diminished regulation of impulses and emotions.
- Space for reflection and introspection is crucial in navigating the complexities of power, as it can potentially help individuals maintain healthier and more ethical behavioral patterns, promoting their overall well-being.