Dominance and Prestige Motivations to Lead in Adolescence

Introduction: Dual strategy frameworks of motivation to lead differentiate Dominance motivations, which leverage fear and control to gain power and status, from Prestige motivations, which rely on respect and trust. Substantial research on these motivational pathways has been conducted in adults, but no empirical research studies them earlier in life. Methods: In a sample of 388 middle adolescents (ages 13–18, both self- and mother-report) and a comparison sample of 563 early adults (ages 18–23), we examined the psychometric properties and personality-centered nomological network of the Achievement Motivation Scale in this preregistered study. Results: Results indicated that individual differences in leadership motivations can be reliably assessed in middle adolescence and demonstrate theoretically predicted associations with personality traits. For example, Dominance motivations were associated with higher Extraversion and Social Potency, whereas Prestige motivations were associated with higher Agreeableness and Empathy. Discussion: These findings suggest that leadership motivations emerge prior to adulthood and are similarly positioned in psychological context across adolescence and early adulthood. Future directions call for more empirical attention to youth leadership and improved measurement of Dominance and Prestige motivations.