Power, optimism, and risk‐taking

Abstract Five studies investigated the hypotheses that the sense of power increases optimism in perceiving risks and leads to more risky behavior. In Studies 1 and 2, individuals with a higher generalized sense of power and those primed with a high‐power mind‐set were more optimistic in their perceptions of risk. Study 3 primed the concept of power nonconsciously and found that both power and gain/loss frame had independent effects on risk preferences. In Study 4, those primed with a high‐power mind‐set were more likely to act in a risk‐seeking fashion (i.e., engage in unprotected sex). In Study 5, individuals with a higher sense of power in a face‐to‐face negotiation took more risks by divulging their…