Are self-control and power related? The study explores the connection

How we can control ourselves depends a lot on how people perceive us. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, it shows that people who exhibit strong self-control are seen by others as more powerful than people with weak self-control. Read also | That’s how new friends, other factors lead to a loss of self-control in students

In the power literature, there have long been debates about the perception and giving of power. High self-control is associated with goal-directed action and resource management, while low self-control is associated with disinhibition. It is often unclear what is considered a strong indicator of strength and power.

Power Perception: How Does It Work?

Perceptions of power help influence leadership preferences and resource allocation in both professional and personal life. Behavioral traits such as competence and assertiveness demonstrate power to observers, but the relationship between self-control and power is open to exploration. Read also | This is why self-controlled children tend to be healthier middle-aged adults

Research results:

To understand this, in all studies, seven experiments were conducted on 1,953 participants. The experiments involved a combination of hypothetical scenarios, real-life memories, and controlled experimental manipulations.

After the experiments, the researchers observed that perceived competence and assertiveness were the mediators that linked self-control with perceived power and empowerment. It was seen that people observe high self-control as a symbol of strength and power.

According to the researchers, “people were perceived as more powerful and given more power when they had a modest goal but exceeded it than when they had an ambitious goal but failed to achieve it, even when they performed the same actions in both cases. A meta-analysis of our mediation results indicated that people perceived people with higher self-control as more assertive and more competent, which was associated with greater power perceptions and subsequently with greater power vesting. Perceived competence also directly mediates the effect of self-control on power transfer. The current study addresses the theoretical debate in the power literature and contributes to a better understanding of how power is perceived and accumulated.’ Read also | The research sheds light on the elements that lead people to improve self-control

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.