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- Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by manipulativeness, deceitfulness, high levels of self-interest, and a tendency to see other people as means to an end.
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Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff. Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by manipulativeness, deceitfulness, high levels of self-interest, and a tendency to see other...
- Like other personality traits, Machiavellianism is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has found...
- Machiavellianism and psychopathy are generally thought to be distinct from one another, though they share many similarities. While both psychopath...
- Both narcissists and Machiavellians can display a lack of empathy and consider themselves superior to others. Narcissists tend to be motivated by...
- Though not every Machiavellian has a high IQ , there is some evidence that, of the dark triad traits, Machiavellianism is most closely associated...
- Machiavellianism is not a mental illness or personality disorder ; rather, it is a personality trait that exists on a spectrum throughout the popu...
- Because they have less of a tendency to be grandiose or impulsive, Machiavellian personalities may be harder to recognize than other dark triad tr...
- It certainly can. People high in Machiavellianism tend to be deeply distrustful of others and struggle to engage in the warm, communal behavior tha...
- Perhaps, but it may not be worth the trouble—both because a highly Machiavellian individual may recognize the attempt and redouble their efforts to...
- By their very nature, most people who are high in dark triad traits are unlikely to want to change. However, some emerging evidence suggests that c...
- Overview
- Where Did the Concept of Machiavellianism Come From?
- Traits of a Machiavellian Person
- How Can You Tell If Someone Is Machiavellian?
- Machiavellianism and the Dark Triad
- How to Deal With Someone Who Has a Machiavellian Personality
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Someone who has a Machiavellian personality may ruthlessly deceive or manipulate others in order to meet their own goals. They may treat other people as mere objects that can help them get what they want and discard them when they no longer have use for them.
The concept of Machiavellianism was first introduced during the Renaissance period by Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian diplomat and political strategist.
In his book, “Il Principe” (The Prince), Machiavelli posits that rulers who are brutal in their quest for power and glory are more likely to survive, succeed, and pass their genes onto future generations than those who are honest or moral.
Someone with a Machiavellian personality may display the following traits:
•Focusing only on their own goals and interests
•Prioritizing success, power, money, and fame above all else
•Manipulating or exploiting others for their own gain
•Having no qualms about deceiving or lying to others
•Being charming and using flattery to their advantage
The Mach-IV Test
A scale known as the Mach-IV test is used to assess whether or not someone has Machiavellian personality traits. The test has a list of 20 statements and participants have to give each statement a ranking from 1 (completely disagree) to 7 (completely agree). Half of the statements on the test demonstrate Machiavellian attitudes, such as “The best way to handle people is to tell them what they want to hear,” or “Anyone who completely trusts anyone else is asking for trouble.” The other 10 statements convey anti-Machiavellian attitudes, such as “One should take action only when one is sure it is morally right.”
Possible Test Results
The test is scored out of 100 points. People are categorized based on their scores: High Machs: People who score above 60 points on the test are considered high Machs as they demonstrate Machiavellian personality traits. Low Machs: People who score below 60 points are considered low Machs as they are more trusting, empathetic, and positive. People who score very low on this test may have submissive tendencies. A separate scale known as the Kiddie Mach has also been developed to assess Machiavellianism in children.
What Makes Up the Dark Triad Personality?
The dark triad personality includes the following traits: Machiavellianism: Being cunning, manipulative, and dishonest in order to achieve one’s goals Narcissism: Being incredibly self-centered and having an inflated sense of self-importance Psychopathy: Being anti-social and lacking empathy and remorse People with dark triad personality traits tend to exploit others’ vulnerabilities and may harm them physically or emotionally.
These are some strategies that can help you cope with a Machiavellian personality in your life:
•Recognize Machiavellian traits: The person may come across as confident and charming and pay you lots of compliments. However, if you see them express Machiavellian traits in their relationships with others, it’s important to understand that they will probably treat you the same way someday.
•Don’t personalize their behavior: Whether it’s a friend, colleague, or partner, interacting with a Machiavellian personality can leave you feeling insecure, angry, disappointed, or used. Try to avoid taking the person’s behavior personally and thinking there’s something wrong with you. Understand that their behavior is a reflection of who they are, rather than of who you are.
•Prioritize self-care: People with Machiavellian tendencies only look out for themselves and have no consideration for others' needs. Practice self-compassion and self-care, to ensure your physical, emotional, or professional needs are being met. Don’t let your needs go ignored.
•Limit your interaction with them: If someone has a Machiavellian personality, try to limit your interaction with them in order to protect yourself. Instead of trying to outplay them or get back at them for something they did to you, it’s best to stay out of their way.
•Rely on your support system: Surround yourself with loved ones you can trust and count on for support. They can help you recognize Machiavellian behavior, see through the gaslighting, and provide the encouragement and resources you need to end your relationship with the person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Machiavellianism good or bad? Machiavellianism is not good, because people with Machiavellian traits tend to manipulate or deceive others in order to meet their goals. Can people with Machiavellianism love? Research shows that people with Machiavellian traits tend to take a negative, cautious, and distrustful attitude to intimate relationships. They find it difficult to be warm, open, agreeable, trusting, and loyal to others, including romantic partners. Machiavellianism is linked to poor relationship quality and low relationship satisfaction. What is the difference between Machiavellianism and narcissism? Machiavellianism and narcissism are both part of the dark triad and often go hand in hand as they have several common characteristics, including a marked disregard for others. However, they are not exactly the same thing. Machiavellianism is more focused on manipulating others to achieve one's goals, whereas narcissism is more focused on seeking attention and admiration for oneself. Dark Empaths: Is There Such a Thing as a Worst Personality Type? Additional Reading By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.
1. : of or relating to Machiavelli or Machiavellianism. 2. : suggesting the principles of conduct laid down by Machiavelli. specifically : marked by cunning, duplicity, or bad faith. He relied on Machiavellian tactics to get elected. Machiavellian noun.
In the field of personality psychology, Machiavellianism (sometimes abbreviated as Mach) is the name of a personality trait construct characterized by interpersonal manipulation, indifference to morality, lack of empathy, and a strategic focus on self-interest.
Mar 13, 2022 · Machiavellianism is a personality trait describing someone who is deeply manipulative, prone to lying, and cynical. The term is derived from Niccolo Machiavelli, the Italian Renaissance diplomat and political philosopher best known for his work The Prince, which is a political road map for achieving goals by any means necessary.
Typical Machiavellian behaviours and characteristics include the callous manipulation of others for personal gain, the use of other immoral tactics in the pursuit of power within an organization or community, inordinate distrust of others, a desire for revenge in response to others’ perceived wrongful behaviour, and insincere displays of charm a...
Oct 7, 2021 · Machiavellianism is part of what psychologists call the “ dark triad ” of personality. The “ dark triad ,” coined in 2002, consists of three personality disorders: Machiavellianism ...
