Supposedly, Henry Kissinger once said that “Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.” Perhaps this explains the intriguingly-titled study from researchers in the Netherlands that was published ahead online July 19 in Psychological Science. Here’s the relevant section of the abstract:
Results showed that elevated power is positively associated with infidelity because power increases confidence in the ability to attract partners. This association was found for both actual infidelity and intentions to engage in infidelity in the future.
There are two potential ways to spin this information:
1. Scientific fact has set the bar. With power is associated with increased risk for infidelity, then people in authority such as politicians need not be held to the same expectations of monogamy as everyone else.
2. Take preventative measures. Recall the Prohibition era when temperance advocates pushed to ban alcohol because it was considered a threat to the home. Apply the argument to upholding the promises made in a committed, long-term relationship; if absolute power is bad, then giving the power to the people would mitigate this concern.
