Machiavellianism, relationship satisfaction, and romantic relationship quality

Abstract

Machiavellianism is characterised by a manipulative interpersonal style, willingness to exploit others, and a preference for emotionally detached relationships. The present studies investigate the extent to which Machiavellianism influences relationship satisfaction and romantic relationship quality. In Study 1, 194 heterosexual partnered women completed Machiavellianism and Relationship Satisfaction measures. Women with higher levels of Machiavellianism reported lower levels of relationship satisfaction. In Study 2, 132 heterosexual partnered women completed Machiavellianism, Trust, Commitment, Control, and Emotional Abuse scales. 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 than those with low levels of Machiavellianism. With regards to negative behavior, Machiavellianism predicted each form of control and emotional abuse investigated, such that those with high levels of Machiavellianism were more likely to engage in controlling behavior and emotional abuse. Findings have important implications for the prediction of romantic relationship quality and in particular for negative behavior such as control and abuse.

Perceptions of close relationship through the Machiavellians´ dark glasses: Negativity, distrust, self-protection against risk and dissatisfaction

“…Machiavellians' attitude of distrust accompany the expectation of negative consequences for the future ( Birkás & Csathó, 2015 ), which also implies that they have no power to direct and control the events around them, because of their belief of external control, their lives are controlled by external forces ( Jonason & Krause, 2013 ; McHoskey, 1999 ; Mudrack, 1990 ; Solar & Bruehl, 1971 ). In order to compensate for this feeling of insecurity and vulnerability caused by the loss of control, they try to control their environment and their partners in their close relationships with any possible tools ( Brewer & Abell, 2017 ), but as control completely replaces trust ( Holmes & Rempel, 1989 ), they will not be able to create meaningful and intimate relationships due to their inability to trust. Since the decrease of trust and the increase of the blaming attributes do not promote the development of relationships, instead, they are associated with the avoidance of social pain and protecting the self.…”

The relationships among love of money and unethical behaviour

“…Then, it is negatively associated with fraudulent and manipulative manners in achieving goals. Brewer (2017) describes Machiavellianism is characterised by a manipulative interpersonal style, willingness to exploit others, and a preference for emotionally detached relationships Highly Machiavellian individuals may aggressive and deviant methods to achieve their goals, regardless of other people's feelings, rights and needs (Gu & Wen, 2017). Machiavellianism personality displays tendencies to manipulate people and show less appreciation to people.…”

The Matrix of Human Needs: Reframing Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

“…People will have social relationships, but they often will be experienced as manipulative. (Brewer & Abell, 2017) People with diagnoses such as Reactive Attachment Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder often experienced significant levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) in the form of abuse and neglect during their early developmental stages. These impairments of need fulfillment in Subsistence as well as Attaching Relationships can be seen in less than robust social relationship as the child develops and matures.…”