The term “machiavellian” comes from the Italian Renaissance diplomat and philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, whose name has become synonymous with cunning, strategy and manipulation.
As a personality trait, machiavellianism is characterized by the use of deceit and manipulation to achieve personal goals, often at the expense of others. It is a part of the “dark tetrad” of personality traits, along with narcissism, psychopathy and sadism.
Research published in Frontiers In Psychology examined the emotional characteristics of machiavellianism, revealing a complex interplay between its emotional deficits, lower levels of empathy and the interpersonal manipulation that follows.
Here are two core characteristics of machiavellianism, according to the study.
1. Emotional Dysfunction
A key characteristic of individuals with high levels of machiavellianism is their emotional detachment. They often exhibit a cold, aloof demeanor and adopt a cynical view of the world. This emotional disconnect is not merely a lack of empathy; it involves specific emotional deficits, such as “alexithymia,” the inability to identify and describe one’s own emotions and “anhedonia,” a diminished sensitivity to pleasurable experiences.
One might assume that machiavellian individuals also possess superior social skills, such as the ability to read others’ emotions and motivations accurately, enabling them to manipulate social situations to their advantage.
However, researchers present a more nuanced picture. While they may understand basic social cues and use them strategically, they often lack genuine cognitive empathy, which involves understanding complex emotions and the nuances of others’ experiences.
These emotional blind spots make it difficult for them to connect with others on an emotional level. For machiavellian individuals, this can manifest as a lack of introspective capabilities and a penchant for manipulative behavior.
Their lack of emotional awareness can also make them less responsive to the consequences of their actions, as they lack the emotional feedback that might otherwise deter harmful behaviors. Consequently, machiavellian individuals may seek satisfaction through manipulation and control of others rather than through healthy, positive interactions.
2. Being Deceitful For Personal Gain
Machiavellian individuals often believe that the ends justify the means. This mindset allows them to use deceit and manipulation to achieve personal goals without the moral qualms that would typically accompany such behavior.
Their emotional deficits can lead to a cynical view of humanity, as they may interpret others’ behavior through the lens of their own manipulative tendencies, assuming that everyone else is equally self-serving.
Additionally, a 2017 study published in Europe’s Journal of Psychology suggests that such behavior deeply affects the quality of their interpersonal relationships.
“Women with higher levels of machiavellianism perceived their partners to be less dependable, reported less faith in their partners and were less willing to persist with the relationship,” the researchers explain, highlighting how their cynical worldview affects their relationships.
“Those with high levels of machiavellianism were more likely to engage in controlling behavior and emotional abuse,” the researchers add, pointing to the concerning effects of this mindset.
A 2023 study published in Personality and Individual Differences also found that such individuals are less forgiving of others, more likely to dwell on perceived injustices and seek revenge, which further entrenches their cynical beliefs.
“Those high in machiavellianism could easily experience anger in academic or corporate settings if someone receives the reward or promotion they wanted, and they may engage in manipulative acts to undermine that person’s success as payback for perceived injustice,” writes lead author Boban Nedeljković, as an example of how these tendencies play out in real life.
However, it’s essential to recognize that these traits exist on a spectrum. While some individuals may exhibit high levels of machiavellianism, others may display these tendencies at lower levels or in very specific situations.
This doesn’t absolve harmful behaviors but provides a lens through which we can view these actions as not just calculated choices but also symptoms of a deeper psychological struggle. Their emotional challenges and deep-seated cynicism about human nature lead to misguided attempts to control their environment in ways they believe are necessary for self-preservation.
For anyone who may find themselves dealing with a machiavellian individual, it’s essential to set clear boundaries and protect oneself from manipulation. For those who recognize these traits in themselves, seeking support and professional intervention can be a powerful step toward personal growth and healthier relationships, potentially breaking the cycle of manipulation and distrust.
Curious whether you display any signs of machiavellianism? Take this test to find out: Machiavellianism Scale
