Research has shed light on the manipulative nature of Machiavellian people and shows that: … (+)
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The term “Machiavelli” comes from the Italian Renaissance diplomat and philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, whose name has become synonymous with cunning, strategy, and manipulation.
Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by the use of deception and manipulation to achieve personal goals, often at the expense of others. It is part of the “dark tetrad” of personality traits, along with narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism.
A study published in Frontiers In Psychology investigated the emotional characteristics of Machiavellianism and revealed the complex interplay between its emotional deficits, reduced levels of empathy, and subsequent interpersonal manipulation.
According to research, the two core characteristics of Machiavellianism are:
1. Emotional dysfunction
The main characteristic of people with high levels of Machiavellianism is emotional isolation. They often display a cold, aloof attitude and adopt a cynical worldview. This emotional disconnect is not simply a lack of empathy. This includes certain emotional deficits, such as alexithymia, the inability to identify and describe one’s emotions, and anhedonia, a decreased sensitivity to pleasurable experiences.
One might think that Machiavellians also have excellent social skills, such as the ability to accurately read the emotions and motivations of others, allowing them to manipulate social situations to their advantage.
But researchers present a more nuanced picture. Although they may understand basic social cues and use them strategically, they lack true cognitive empathy, which involves understanding the complex emotions and nuances of others’ experiences. is common.
These emotional blind spots make it difficult to connect with others on an emotional level. For Machiavellians, this can manifest as a lack of self-reflection and a tendency toward manipulative behavior.
A lack of emotional awareness can also make us less responsive to the consequences of our actions, as we lack the emotional feedback that should deter harmful behaviors. As a result, Machiavellians may seek satisfaction through manipulation and control of others rather than through healthy, positive interactions.
2. Being deceptive for personal gain
Machiavellians often believe that the ends justify the means. This mindset allows them to engage in deception and manipulation to achieve their personal goals without feeling the moral qualms that usually accompany such actions.
A cynical view of human nature, as their emotional flaws may lead them to assume that everyone else is equally selfish and interpret the actions of others through the lens of their own manipulative tendencies. may lead to.
Furthermore, a 2017 study published in the European Journal of Psychology suggests that such behavior deeply influences the quality of interpersonal relationships.
“Women with high levels of Machiavellianism perceive their partners as untrustworthy, report lower trust in their partners, and lower intentions to continue the relationship,” the researchers explain, adding that women’s cynical world It emphasizes how their views affect their relationship.
“People with high levels of Machiavellianism were more likely to engage in controlling behavior and emotional abuse,” the researchers added, pointing to the worrying implications of this mindset.
A 2023 study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences also found that such individuals are less tolerant of others, more likely to hold on to perceived injustices and seek revenge; It also turns out to further entrench their cynical beliefs.
“Machiavellian people can easily become angry in academic or corporate settings if someone else gets the pay or promotion they wanted, and they receive what they perceive to be an unfair return.” “They can engage in manipulative behavior that undermines a person’s success,” lead author Boban Nedeljković writes. Here’s an example of how these trends play out in real life.
However, it is important to recognize that these properties exist on a spectrum. Some people exhibit high levels of Machiavellianism, while others display such tendencies at lower levels or in very specific situations.
This does not exempt harmful behaviors, but it does provide a lens through which these behaviors can be viewed as symptoms of deeper psychological conflicts, rather than simply calculated choices. Their emotional challenges and deep-seated cynicism about human nature lead to misguided attempts to control the environment in ways they believe are necessary for self-preservation.
It is important for anyone who may be dealing with a Machiavellian person to set clear boundaries and protect themselves 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 mistrust. there is.
Want to know if you show signs of Machiavellianism? Take this test to find out: Machiavellianism Scale
