Power- having power to influence or dominate others, their lives and decisions. Everyone wants power as it comes with benefits, but power creates negative behavioral patterns which impact larger public and causes detrimental effects on those whonare subordinates to those in power. Power has been associated with dominance and social status. Influence of power on brain activity have been studied in animals, which noted changes in
Amgdala- altered functioning and activity with power
Left frontal cortex- increase activation with high social status, high power
Metabolites of dopamine- released in higher concentrations associated with higher social status/power
Lateral habenula – activation on loss of social status (anti-reward)
Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex- activation
Medial prefrontal cortex
Grey matter size in perigenual area of anterior cingulated cortex
Power has strong social and psychological effects on behavior of person in power. Today’s growing issues of corruption and power misuse can be addressed more scientifically with study of physiological along with psychological effects of power.
MBH/PS
