Power Influences Self–Esteem

Two studies are reported where high-versus low-power positions were induced through recalling autobiographical events or by serving a supervisory or subordinate role in a task. Both affective states and global self–esteem increased as a result of elevated power while lowered power resulted in decreases in affect and self–esteem. Changes in self–esteem were completely mediated by changes in affective states. The results are discussed as supporting the approach–inhibition theory of power (Keltner, Gruenfeld, & Anderson, 2003).