What is the emotional core of the multidimensional Machiavellian personality trait?

Abstract

Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by interpersonal manipulation and associated with specific patterns of emotional and social cognition skills. The aim of this study was to investigate its socio-cognitive characteristics by determining its association and predictors on the basis of a multidimensional approach to Machiavellianism. We used Mach IV scale to assess “Machiavellian Intelligence” skill of participants (Christie and Geis, 1970). It includes three subscales that are (1) the use of deceit in interpersonal relationships, (2) a cynical view of human nature and (3) the lack of morality. Associations were found between Machiavellianism and low levels of empathy and affective ToM, and high levels of alexithymia, anhedonia, depression, and anxiety. These associations were observed in varying proportions depending on the three subscales of Machiavellianism. The addition of anhedonia and trait-anxiety to the concepts of empathy and alexithymia made it possible to gain a better understanding of the emotional core of Machiavellianism. These findings are discussed in the light of developmental and adaptive perspectives.

The relationship between alexithymia, empathy and moral judgment in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…the F subscale). Accordingly, lower levels of empathy amongst our patients with MS were associated with stronger levels of alexithymia, an association widely documented in the scientific literature . It is important to consider that previous studies have related alexithymia with anxiety, depression and fatigue.…”

“…Behavioral, lesion and neuroimaging studies have contributed to our understanding of how these different PFC circuits contribute to moral judgment . Furthermore, evidence supports an association between moral judgment and emotion processing, alexithymia and empathy . Namely, increased alexithymia and decreased empathy both contribute to an increase in utilitarian moral judgment, i.e.…”

Impacts of peers’ unethical behavior on employees’ ethical intention: Moderated mediation by Machiavellian orientation

“…In particular, because misconduct at work often involves ongoing, rather than one‐time, behaviors (Ethics Resource Center, ), personal cognition and the related processes might exert an influence. For example, Machiavellianism, regarded as a cognitive feature (Al Aïn, Carré, Fantini‐Hauwel, Baudouin, & Besche‐Richard, ) involving a manipulative, calculative, self‐interested mindset (Shafer & Wang, ; Shome & Rao, ), might intervene in the negative link between peers’ unethical behavior and employees’ ethical intention.…”

Análisis Psicométrico de una Escala de Empatía en niños mexicanos

“…Maquiavelismo: termino de personalidad que describe una serie de características como la manipulación interpersonal, así como pensamientos y conductas amorales (Al Aïn, Carré, Fantini-Hauwel, Baudouin, & Besche-Richard, 2013).…”