Psychopathy and Machiavellianism: A Distinction Without a Difference?

Abstract

A robust literature has emerged on the Dark Triad (DT) of personality-Machiavellianism (MACH), psychopathy, and narcissism. Questions remain as to whether MACH and psychopathy are distinguishable and whether MACH's empirical and theoretical networks are consistent. In Study 1 (N 5 393; MTurk research participants), factor analyses were used to compare two-factor (MACH and psychopathy combined 1 narcissism) and three-factor models, with both fitting the data equally well. In Studies 1 and 2 (N 5 341; undergraduate research participants), DT scores were examined in relation to a variety of external criteria, including self-and informant ratings of personality, adverse developmental experiences, and psychopathological symptoms/behaviors. In both studies, MACH and psychopathy manifested nearly identical empirical profiles and both were significantly related to disinhibitory traits thought to be antithetical to MACH. In Study 3 (N 5 36; expert raters), expert ratings of the Five-Factor Model traits prototypical of MACH were collected and compared with empirically derived profiles. Measures of MACH yielded profiles that were inconsistent with the prototypical expert-rated profile due to their positive relations with a broad spectrum of impulsivity-related traits. Ultimately, measures of psychopathy and MACH appear to be measuring the same construct, and MACH assessments fail to capture the construct as articulated in theoretical descriptions.

Dark malevolent traits and everyday perceived stress

“…Individuals with a high level of psychopathy are often very callous towards social norms. This could be interpreted as low perceived stress in social settings (Hare 1985;Jones and Paulhus 2013;Miller et al 2016). This disposition aligns with research showing that psychopathy coincides negatively with stress-related traits such as Neuroticism (Birkás et al 2016b;Gore and Widiger 2016).…”

“…The Machiavellian individual is particularly characterized by manipulation, and pessimistic cynicism (Jones and Paulhus 2013;Miller et al 2016;Paulhus and Williams 2002). Stress behaviors are less clear for Machiavellianism.…”

“…Malevolent traits such as the Dark Triad are known for antagonism in social situations, which could both increase or decrease perceived stress . Much research has linked the Dark Triad to other traits, such as Neuroticism (i.e., low anxiety), which should imply a lesser susceptibility to overall stress (Klimstra et al 2014;Miller et al 2016). However, arguably, a trait such as Neuroticism may differ somewhat from descriptions of everyday-stress, which may be more value-infused.…”

Effects of CEOs’ Negative Traits on Corporate Social Responsibility

“…However, factor analysis found Machiavellianism and psychopathy (Ma-Psy) to be one factor compositely, and narcissism to be another factor in this study. Miller et al [24] showed that Machiavellianism and psychopathy manifested nearly identical empirical profiles and both were significantly related to disinhibitory traits. Psychopathy can be divided into two dimensions.…”

“…Primary psychopathy includes such features as selfishness, deficiencies in interpersonal aspects, remorselessness, superficial charm, and exploitation, on the other hand, secondary psychopathy includes antisocial lifestyles and behaviors [23]. It is argued that Machiavellianism and primary psychopathy are essentially identical [22,24]. Williams, Nathanson and Paulhus [25] identified manipulation, a lack of affective experiences, and impulsive or irresponsible behaviors as characteristics of psychopathy.…”