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Machiavellianism, Relationship Satisfaction, and Romantic Relationship Quality
1School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Europe'S Journal of Psychology
|September 15, 2017
Summary
High Machiavellianism in women is linked to lower relationship satisfaction and trust. Individuals with higher Machiavellianism reported less commitment and were more likely to engage in controlling behaviors and emotional abuse.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Machiavellianism describes a manipulative interpersonal style, characterized by exploitation and emotional detachment.
- Understanding its impact on romantic relationships is crucial for relationship quality assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of Machiavellianism on relationship satisfaction and quality in heterosexual partnered women.
- To examine the relationship between Machiavellianism and key relationship factors like trust, commitment, control, and emotional abuse.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: 194 partnered women completed measures of Machiavellianism and relationship satisfaction.
- Study 2: 132 partnered women completed measures of Machiavellianism, trust, commitment, control, and emotional abuse.
Main Results:
- Higher Machiavellianism correlated with lower relationship satisfaction.
- Increased Machiavellianism was associated with lower perceived partner dependability and commitment.
- Machiavellianism significantly predicted higher engagement in controlling behaviors and emotional abuse.
Conclusions:
- Machiavellianism negatively impacts romantic relationship quality, particularly concerning trust and commitment.
- High Machiavellianism is a significant predictor of negative interpersonal behaviors, including control and emotional abuse within relationships.
- These findings have implications for understanding and potentially intervening in relationship dynamics affected by Machiavellian traits.
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