Relationship between Machiavellianism and emotional and behavioral difficulties in adolescence

Abstract

Machiavellianism is a personality trait that is characterized by intense interpersonal manipulation in order to achieve personal material goals. Previous studies revealed a relationship between Machiavellianism and diverse forms of psychological difficulties in adults. Studies also revealed such relationships in adolescents as well, but studies investigating the relationship between Machiavellianism and psychological difficulties in adolescents are still absent in Hungary. In this study 502 secondary school students (356 girls) filled out questionnaires that measured Machiavellianism and psychological and behavioral difficulties. Machiavellianism was associated with higher total problem score. This resulted mainly from higher scores on scales measuring emotional and behavioral problems. Moreover, hyperactivity and lack of prosocial behavior were also associated with Machiavellianism. At the same time, Machiavellian adolescents did not differ in self-reported loneliness from their peers. The author discusses the results in the light of previous research and from the perspective of emotion and behavior regulation. Practical aspects of the results are also discussed in the context of prevention.