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In today’s era of heightened psychological literacy, terms like "gaslighting" and "narcissism" are frequently applied in everyday conversations. As mental health concepts permeate popular culture, it becomes essential to distinguish between clinical disorders and personality traits. While "Machiavellian" is not a mental illness, it identifies a distinct personality style rooted in strategic manipulation.
The label originates from Niccolò Machiavelli, the Italian philosopher whose political writings are often interpreted as advocating cunning and deceit. Whether the Florentine himself would approve of the modern usage is unclear, but nearly five centuries after his death, researchers can reliably describe the traits associated with a Machiavellian personality.
Disclaimer: The following article discusses personality traits and does not diagnose mental health conditions.
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Within the framework of the "Dark Triad"—comprising narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—Machiavellianism is defined by a tendency to manipulate others to achieve personal goals. The trait is also linked to a cynical worldview and an emotionally detached demeanor.
Recognizing these characteristics in real life is not always straightforward. Cynicism alone does not imply Machiavellianism; rather, it is one facet of a broader, complex personality profile. Recent research has identified several core traits that help differentiate a Machiavellian individual from other personality types.
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A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology titled "What is the emotional core of the multidimensional Machiavellian personality trait?" examined 18‑30‑year‑old participants. Researchers explored the emotional landscape of Machiavellianism, uncovering significant associations with alexithymia (difficulty identifying and expressing emotions), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), depression, and anxiety.
The findings corroborate earlier studies and suggest that Machiavellian individuals often exhibit emotional detachment and dysfunction. Their difficulty recognizing emotions in themselves and others can manifest as aloofness or apparent indifference, further hindering genuine empathy.
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Manipulation is frequently tied to cognitive empathy—the skill of understanding others’ thoughts—while affective empathy involves sharing others’ feelings. Yale psychologist Paul Bloom notes in The Boston Review that individuals with psychopathic traits often excel at reading minds but lack emotional empathy.
Contrary to that pattern, the Frontiers study found a negative correlation between both cognitive and affective empathy among Machiavellian participants. The combined emotional deficits—particularly anhedonia—appear to underlie their reduced capacity for empathy, fostering a cynical view of human nature and a reluctance to act altruistically.
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While emotional challenges are foundational, observable manipulative actions provide a clearer indicator of Machiavellian traits. The Frontiers research suggests that individuals who perceive human nature negatively are more inclined to employ duplicitous tactics to secure their aims. This behavioral pattern aligns with findings from 2017 studies in Europe's Journal of Psychology, which examined women in relationships and reported higher controlling and emotionally abusive behaviors among those scoring high on Machiavellianism.
A 2010 study in Social Psychology further illustrated how high‑scoring Machiavellian individuals disguised selfishness and feigned altruism in social settings, revealing self‑interest when alone. These studies confirm that Machiavellianism exists on a spectrum; not all individuals display the trait to the same degree or frequency.
It is important to note that no single sign definitively identifies a Machiavellian personality. However, the convergence of emotional dysfunction, empathy deficits, and manipulative behavior paints a compelling picture of this personality type.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1‑800‑950‑NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
