Power in Psychology

Psychological power refers to the ability to influence the behavior of other individuals. Those in powerful positions can affect large groups of people, impacting their wellbeing. Power may be utilized to achieve personal or group objectives, but it can also have negative effects on oneself and others. 

Power is associated with increased rewards and freedom, whereas reduced power is linked to higher levels of threat, punishment, social constraints, and a tendency to inhibit behavior (Keltner et al., 2003).

Power plays an important role in social, political, and economic interactions and is a fundamental force in human relationships. Differences in power can enhance group functioning within social groups (Tobore, 2023).

Individuals with high power demonstrate more consistent self-concepts across different social contexts compared to individuals with low power (Kraus et al., 2011). Additionally, lack of power can impair cognitive functions (Smith et al., 2008).

Power and Dominance

Power is potential: Power can be latent, meaning someone may possess it without actively using it, whereas dominance is always an active display of power.

Dominance is behavioral: Dominance is observed through behaviors such as assertive communication, taking charge, or exerting control over others.

Context matters: The expression of dominance can vary depending on social contexts and relationship dynamics between individuals.

References

Keltner, D., Gruenfeld, D. H., & Anderson, C. (2003). Power, approach, and inhibition. Psychological review, 110(2), 265–284. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295x.110.2.265

Kraus, M. W., Chen, S., & Keltner, D. (2011). The power to be me: Power elevates self-concept consistency and authenticity. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 47(5), 974–980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2011.03.017

Smith, P. K., Jostmann, N. B., Galinsky, A. D., & van Dijk, W. W. (2008). Lacking Power Impairs Executive Functions. Psychological Science, 19(5), 441-447. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02107.x

Sutton, G. W. (2025, February 2). Power in psychology. Psychological Concepts and Theories. 

Tobore T. O. (2023). On power and its corrupting effects: the effects of power on human behavior and the limits of accountability systems. Communicative & integrative biology, 16(1), 2246793. https://doi.org/10.1080/19420889.2023.2246793

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