Abstract Power has been linked to both self‐regulatory success and failure. Power typically aids self‐regulation of task performance by making people motivated and goal‐oriented. However, because people’s self‐regulatory resources are limited, as powerful people exert effort on their focal tasks, they may fail to self‐regulate in other domains. This type of goal myopia may lead to detriments in impulse control. Wielding power, by making decisions and leading subordinates, can deplete people’s self‐regulatory resources, making subsequent acts of self‐control more difficult.
Previous research has found that social exclusion leads people to be wary of others yet motivated to reestablish social connections. However, most research has focused on how social exclusion affects responses to strangers. The current studies tested the hypothesis that exclusion would lead people to turn to and invest in their friends and family. This hypothesis was not supported. Excluded participants did not differ from non-excluded participants in terms of their desire to spend time with friends and family rather than strangers (Study 1), their desire to pursue pro-relationship goals (Study 1), and their generosity toward their friends vs. strangers (Study 2).%%%%A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.%%%%Spring Semester 2016.%%%%April 29, 2016.%%%%Social Exclusion%%%%Roy Baumeister, Professor Directing Dissertation; James Whyte, IV, University Representative; Jim McNulty, Committee Member; Ashby Plant, Committee Member; Jesse Cougle, Committee Member.