If the Ends Justify Cognition? Explaining the Predictive Relationship of Manipulativeness, Grit and Need for Cognition within Machiavellianism and Psychopathy

Abstract

This study aims to explain a statistically significant amount of variance between the constructs manipulativeness, impulsiveness, grit, and need for cognition (NfC) within Machiavellianism and psychopathy in order to provide insights into the cognitive processes involved in distinguishing between these Dark Triad personality traits. Applying a cross-sectional design, test subjects (N = 96) self-reported using the MACH-IV, SRP-III, NFC-S, and Grit Scale for Perseverance and Passion for Long-Term Goals. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted, and only manipulativeness was found to have predictive qualities in terms of Machiavellianism. For psychopathy, only manipulativeness and impulsiveness were found to have predictive qualities. These results concur with the findings of previous studies and serve to preliminarily eliminate predictive variables NfC and grit within Machiavellianism and psychopathy.