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.
Highlights
Machiavellianism is characterised by a manipulative interpersonal style, willingness to exploit others, and a preference for emotionally detached relationships
The present study demonstrates that women with high levels of Machiavellianism experience low levels of relationship satisfaction, perceive their partner to be less dependable, report less faith in their partners, and are less willing to persist in the relationship
Findings support the assertion that men and women with high levels of Machiavellianism prefer emotionally detached relationships with low levels of commitment (Ali & ChamorroPremuzic, 2010)
Summary
Machiavellianism is characterised by a manipulative interpersonal style, willingness to exploit others, and a preference for emotionally detached relationships. Adults with higher Machiavellianism scores have negative representations of others (Ináncsi, Láng, & Bereczkei, 2015) and view others with emotional detachment, distrust, and suspicion (Christie & Geis, 1970) This broad negative view of others coupled with their lack of connection to their own and others feelings (Wastell & Booth, 2003) may result in lower relationship satisfaction. Trust refers to the expectation of positive reward and partner responsiveness and exerts a substantial impact on relationship quality (Givertz, Woszidlo, Segrin, & Knutson, 2013) Those with higher levels of trust in a partner display resilience to partner criticism (Murray, Lupien, & Seery, 2012), a positive memory bias for previous behavior (Luchies et al, 2013), greater intimacy, and lower partner avoidance behaviors (Wieselquist, Rusbult, Foster, & Agnew, 1999). Relationship outcomes associated with commitment include sexual satisfaction (Sprecher, 2002) and relationship dissolution (Le, Dove, Agnew, Korn, & Mutso, 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
