runningheadpowerbuffersstress.docVIP

Running head: POWER BUFFERS STRESS Power Buffers Stress – For Better and For Worse Dana R. Carney University of California, Berkeley Andy J. Yap Massachusetts Institute of Technology Brian J. Lucas Northwestern University Pranjal H. Mehta University of Oregon James A. McGee Columbia University Caroline Wilmuth Harvard University Abstract In 3 experiments, we offer evidence for the theoretical position that having power leads to a reduction in the stress response—which can have both positive and negative consequences. Experiment 1 tested the power-buffers-stress hypothesis in the context of a high-pressure mock job interview. Experiment 2 extended further the power-buffers-stress hypothesis by testing the effect on a physical stressor—an ice water submersion task. Experiment 3 tested the hypothesis in the context of an interrogation about theft in a high-stakes mock crime. Across three experiments, high-power individuals (vs. low-power) exhibited less of a stress response across measures of emotion, cognition, physiology, and nonverbal behavior. We suggest some specific biological trajectories through which power may buffer individuals from the stress response. Power Buffers Stress – For Better and For Worse Vladimir Putin lives an intense life. Decisions, which for him, are routine – carry great local and international consequence and affect the social and economic livelihood of millions. He, like many leaders, wakes early and retires late. He meets with other international luminaries frequently and makes high-stakes public speeches which are broadcast to millions (sometimes billions) of people. To meet the demands of his position, he necessarily pushes his mind and body to the outer limits of mental and physical well-being. We might imagine that Vladimir Putin’s daily life would be become overwhelmingly, chronically stressful. Yet, he persists and even thrives. How does Putin – or any other powerful person—meet these overwhelming psychological and physica