Study Reveals That Powerful People Close Their Hearts and Become Less Empathic

Hunger of power can change people even in its smallest amount. You have likely seen this kind of scenario especially when you are at workplace when anytime in this world, your good colleague gets an improvement and then, suddenly, becomes your superior. You should be happy for your friend's achievement for that higher post, until you notice him that he no longer concern nor little less approachable to his subordinates. Then the big question comes in to your mind wondering why your buddy-being-sent by an angel abruptly develops into such unusual behavior - less empathic. 

Sukhvinder Obhi, a Canadian neuroscientist, and his fellows made a study to show that power corrupts a part of our brain that support human's feeling of empathy. They created two groups, which the first faction was consisted of powerful participants having to write an essay about moments they have power. Then, the second group, the powerless ones, was asked to make a diary telling about their feelings of being inferior to others. After that writing activity, they were requested to watch a film that can trigger the mirror system.  The researchers found out that those people who were perceiving powerless showed significant increment to their mirror system which means they extremely empathize to others. While the big shots had difficulty getting inside of another individual's head. 

So, next time you have an encounter with your dear friend, try to understand their feeling that they have consumed of. And the good news is, powerful people can be coached back to their compassionate selves, however. It's called a demotion. 

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