Machiavellianism

Machiavellianism, in personality psychology, refers to a distinct personality trait marked by manipulative behavior, a disregard for morality, a lack of empathy, and a calculated pursuit of self-interest. Individuals who exhibit this trait often prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations, engaging in deceitful or opportunistic behavior to achieve their goals. The concept was named after the Renaissance political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, whose writings emphasized pragmatic, sometimes ruthless, tactics for gaining and maintaining power.

Psychologists Richard Christie and Florence L. Geis developed the Machiavellianism construct in the 1970s, using modified statements inspired by Machiavelli’s writings to examine variations in human behavior. To assess this trait, they created the Mach IV test, a widely-used 20-item Likert-scale personality survey that evaluates the extent to which individuals endorse manipulative and self-serving attitudes. People who score high on this test, often referred to as “High Machs,” tend to exhibit greater manipulativeness, deceitfulness, and emotional detachment. They are more likely to view others as tools for achieving their ends and display a cynical, strategic approach to relationships and social interactions.

Machiavellianism is part of the “Dark Triad” of personality traits, alongside narcissism and psychopathy. These three traits share common features such as callousness, manipulation, and a lack of empathy, although each has its own distinct characteristics. While narcissism is centered around grandiosity and a need for admiration, and psychopathy is associated with impulsivity and a lack of remorse, Machiavellianism is defined by its cold, calculated manipulation and long-term strategic thinking.

In summary, Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by a focus on self-interest, strategic manipulation, and emotional detachment, forming one of the core components of the Dark Triad.