Power

Power is similar to but not quite the same as control. Power is the ability to exercise control (if desired) in a particular situation. It is possible to have power without actually using it. There are two main types of power: physical and emotional. Power issues are prevalent in many different scenarios from work to family life to social situations. Power has the ability get out of control and may hurt many people including the person who abuses it. It may cause physical, mental and emotional harm that cannot be undone.

• Attributes of Physical Power
• Attributes of Emotional Power
• Psychotherapy for Abuses of Power
• Medical Issues that Can Arise from Abuses of Power

Attributes of Physical Power

Attributes of physical power may include:

• attempting to exert influence over the external things, people and life events

• having an external behavior that revolves around how problems concerning conflicts, mistakes and issues are resolved in the outside world

• being clearly recognized by those who are affected by it

Attributes of Emotional Power

Attributes of emotional power may include:

• attempting to influence inner emotions, beliefs, feelings, values, attitudes and thoughts of others

• having an inner personal behavior engaged in how and when individuals deal with conflicts, mistakes or issues

• being less clearly recognized because it is used in manipulative ways

Psychotherapy for Abuses of Power

Psychotherapy for power issues deals with changing how power is used and/or manipulated. Through therapy, clients may be able to recognize or identify behaviors and beliefs that relate to power so they may change them. Clients learn how to utilize their power rather than abuse it. In psychotherapy, clients learn the benefits and negative aspects of power and how to rebuild and/or strengthen relationships that have been destroyed or negatively impacted by the abuse of power. Group therapy may also be beneficial.While a generalized disorder for power issues in not defined in the DSM, power issues may be a result of narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder is an Axis II personality disorder which is characterized by a person being excessively preoccupied with issues of power, prestige and personal adequacy. 

Medical Issues that Can Arise from Abuses of Power

Power issues may lead to mental and physical health problems for not only the person abusing his or her power but also others. Depending on whether physical or emotional power is used, medical issues may include physical harm that require rehabilitation and/or hospitalization. Other medical issues might include emotional anguish which may be treated with psychotropic medication.  

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