When (state and trait) powers collide: Effects of power-incongruence and self-control on prosocial behavior

Abstract This research addresses the impact of incongruence between trait and state power on the link between self-control and prosocial behavior. Past research has established that self-control is a powerful resource for behavioral flexibility, enabling one to execute tough, yet personally rewarding, decisions under challenging circumstances. State-trait power-incongruence may pose a threat on individuals, encouraging self-preservation at the expense of others. In this context, self-control is predicted to be associated with self-serving motives and behavior. The present article offers a first empirical test of this possibility. Two experiments demonstrated that under power-incongruence, self-control was associated with less emphasis on prosocial values (Study 1) and behavior (Study 2). Study 3 demonstrated that self-affirmation counters this effect, supporting the notion that power-incongruence poses a threat to the integrity of the self. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.