The Hidden Impact of Power on the Brain and Behavior

Scientific research reveals that holding power can diminish cognitive abilities, change behavior, and even contribute to various health problems.

We often hear that power corrupts people, but what exactly happens in the brains of those who wield influence? Let’s delve into the neurological and psychological effects of power.

Power Suppresses Empathy

Historian Henry Adams described power as a "tumor that destroys the victim's capacity for empathy." Psychologist Dacher Keltner found that power encourages impulsive behavior, reduces risk awareness, and impairs the ability to see things from others’ perspectives.

A 2016 study published in The Journal of Finance revealed that leaders who experienced a natural disaster with many casualties during childhood tend to be more risk-averse, while those who endured less deadly disasters are more inclined to take risks.

Neuroscientist Sukhvinder Obhi compared brain activity among people with varying degrees of power and discovered that those with greater authority exhibit disruptions in brain processes linked to empathy.

Power Reduces the Ability to Recognize Others' Emotions

In 2016, during a US Congressional hearing, former Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf was questioned about a scandal involving millions of fake accounts created by employees. His apparent inability to grasp the emotions of those questioning him left many observers stunned. Despite expressed disbelief and surprise from lawmakers, Stumpf seemed disconnected and lost.

Research shows that powerful individuals struggle to interpret emotions from facial expressions or anticipate colleagues’ reactions. They tend not to mimic others’ gestures or facial expressions, a natural human behavior linked to empathy.

Psychologist Susan Fiske explains that power reduces the need to read others’ emotions because it grants access to resources and influence that previously had to be earned through social interaction.

This diminished capacity to understand others often leads to stereotyping and reliance on one’s own perspective, ironically stripping away the very skills that helped these individuals gain power.

Combating the Negative Effects of Power on Health

Temporary power, such as leading a student organization, doesn’t change the brain as profoundly as long-term authority does. Reversing these effects can be challenging, and sometimes the best remedy is to consciously reduce one’s sense of power.

Staying grounded and connected to reality is essential to prevent power from corrupting character. Close relationships can help—Winston Churchill’s wife kept him centered, and Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, credits her mother’s advice to "leave the crown in the garage."

David Owen, former UK Foreign Secretary, documented health issues among world leaders in his book Illness and Leadership. He highlighted conditions such as stroke, addiction, and possible bipolar disorder among prominent figures.

Owen coined the term "hubris syndrome," a psychological disorder linked to power that manifests as arrogance, reckless behavior, detachment from reality, and incompetence. He founded the Daedalus Trust to study and address this condition.

To counteract hubris, Owen recommends humility-building actions such as reflecting on modest deeds, watching documentaries about ordinary people, and reading letters from constituents.

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