Thesis
French
ID: <
10670/1.3mmddk>
Abstract
Numerous studies have highlighted the effects of holding power on our behaviour, motivations and judgements. While several hypotheses have been put forward to explain these effects, there is no consensus to date on how power exerts its influence and through which processes. To answer this question, Guinote and Chen (2018) recently proposed the Power and Self-Active model. They propose that power would activate specific Self-concepts, which would mediate the relationship between power and its consequences. The main objective of this thesis is to empirically test this hypothesis.During our research program, we have 1) studied the representations associated with power in general, in the context of goal pursuit and moral judgment. 2) then we tested the hypothesis of a greater accessibility of these concepts in power holding contexts, and 3) empirically tested the hypothesis of a mediating effect of the activation of these Self-concepts on performances and moral judgments. The alternative hypothesis of a mediating effect of the activation of approach tendencies was also tested. Using p-curve and meta-analyses, we also estimated the level of credibility and effect sizes of the two methods commonly used in research to experimentally induce power in individuals. Overall, our results made it possible to 1) validate the classical induction methods, 2) reproduce effects already observed in the literature on the relationship between power and goal pursuit, and 3) highlight an effect of power on the active self. However, the mediating effect of the accessibility of these concepts has not been demonstrated. The implications for Guinote and Chen's model of the active self are discussed.