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

Abstract

It is commonly known from the literature that Machiavellian individuals have negative attitudes towards people and in general towards the world´s affairs. They are distrustful of the intentions of others, and they get cautiously involved into interpersonal interactions and take risks only if that may not have any severe negative consequence. It is also a fact that there are few ventures in life that potentially involve as much insecurity and personal vulnerability as the establishment and maintenance of close relationships. In our study, we were seeking the answer to the question: do people with high levels of Machiavellianism show a generally negative, distrustful and cautious attitude in their intimate relationships, as well? What effect their pessimistic approaches have on the other consequences of the relationship (satisfaction, commitment, investment, quality of alternatives)? This question was investigated on a dyadic sample of heterosexual couples (N = 101 pairs) with Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). The results of the correlations and actor effects show that men with high levels of Machiavellianism perceive in a negative way not just people in general, but their romantic partners and relationships as well and they experience an increased level of distrust, risk, and dissatisfaction into their close relationships. Women with high levels of Machiavellianism are less negativistic and feel less discontent towards their intimate partner and relationship, but even they are unable to put their distrust and precaution aside. The results of partner effects have revealed that women's Machiavellianism undermines men's trust, while men's Machiavellianism has the effect of minimizing women's investment into their relationship.

Dominance or deceit: The role of the Dark Triad and hegemonic masculinity in emotional manipulation

“…Controlling others, for example, appears to be a trait shared by those scoring high on measures of hegemonic masculinity (Kupers, 2005) and those with high trait Machiavellianism (Dahling, Whitaker, & Levy, 2009). Examples of other similarities include having little consideration for others (Geis & Levy, 1970;Christie & Geis, 1970;Kupers, 2005), and being unwilling to rely on others (Ináncsi, Pilinszki, Paál, & Láng, 2018;Kupers, 2005). Our findings also support previous notions that Machiavellianism is a good predictor of willingness to engage in emotional manipulation (Braginski, 1970).…”

The dark triad, love components, and attachment styles in romantic relationship experiencing during young adulthood

“…According to previous research findings on heterosexual couples (Ináncsi et al, 2018), men with a high Machiavellianism score show distrust of their partner in the relationship. Women who are in a relationship with such a man tend to invest less in the relationship (Ináncsi et al, 2018).…”

“…According to previous research findings on heterosexual couples (Ináncsi et al, 2018), men with a high Machiavellianism score show distrust of their partner in the relationship. Women who are in a relationship with such a man tend to invest less in the relationship (Ináncsi et al, 2018). However, women who have a high Machiaveliansm score invest more resources such as emotional dependency, energy and time but also have a high level of mistrust.…”

“…Such women take preventive measures to curb their mistrust which includes emotional and physical separation from the partner, minimizing possible harm from rejection or disappointment and finding an alternative partner in which they seek support. The alternative partner can eventually replace the original-in case of threat and expectation of the original partner leaving the relationship (Ináncsi et al, 2018).…”

Relação entre traços sombrios da personalidade e o uso de engano nas relações

“…(75.7% women; M age = 25.79; SD = 6.1). pouca confiança em seus parceiros, percebendo-os como imprevisíveis (Ináncsi et al, 2018).…”