Social power makes the heart work more efficiently: Evidence from cardiovascular markers of challenge and threat

Possessing social power is beneficial for a wide range of physical and psychological outcomes. In the current research we test the hypothesis that the mere activation of high social power elicits an efficient cardiovascular pattern ( challenge) while the activation of low social power elicits an inefficient cardiovascular pattern ( threat; Blascovich, 2008a, b). Results from two experiments (one using power priming and one involving role playing) provide evidence for this hypothesis and are discussed in terms of the embodiment of power, the power-approach relationship, and further implications for the relation between power and health. ► We examine the relation between social power and cardiovascular (CV) indices of challenge and threat motivational states. ► We show that low power elicits a CV threat response and high power elicits a CV challenge response. ► We discuss the role of specific CV response patterns in the health outcomes of the powerful and powerless.