Using a dynamic cognitive model, we experimentally test two competing hypotheses that link
identity and cognitive network activation during times of change. On one hand, affirming
people's sense of power might give them confidence to think beyond the densest
subsections of their social networks. Alternatively, if such power affirmations conflict with
people's more stable status characteristics, this could create tension, deterring people from
considering their networks' diversity. We test these competing hypotheses experimentally by …