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Abstract
Three experiments demonstrated that the experience of power leads to an illusion of
personal control. Regardless of whether power was experientially primed (Experiments
1 and 3) or manipulated through roles (manager vs. subordinate; Experiment 2), it
led to perceived control over outcomes that were beyond the reach of the power holder.
Furthermore, this illusory control mediated the influence of power on several self-enhancement
and approach-related outcomes reported in the power literature, including optimism
(Experiment 2), self-esteem (Experiment 3), and action orientation (Experiment 3).
These results demonstrate the theoretical importance of perceived control as a generative
cause of and driving force behind many of power's far-reaching effects. A fourth experiment
ruled out an alternative explanation: that positive mood, rather than illusory control,
is at the root of power's effects. The discussion considers implications for existing
and future research on the psychology of power, perceived control, and positive illusions.