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Does Machiavellianism meaningfully differ from psychopathy? It depends.
Brinkley M Sharpe1, Katherine L Collison2, Donald R Lynam2
1Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.
Behavioral Sciences & the Law
|October 12, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a new, shorter measure for Machiavellianism, a personality trait involving manipulation. The Five Factor Machiavellianism Inventory-Super Short Form (FFMI-SSF) was validated against psychopathy and personality traits.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Machiavellianism, characterized by cynicism and manipulation, is often studied within the Dark Triad (narcissism, psychopathy).
- Existing measures of Machiavellianism face criticism regarding construct validity and overlap with psychopathy.
- There is a need for a concise and valid measure of Machiavellianism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the Five Factor Machiavellianism Inventory-Super Short Form (FFMI-SSF).
- To assess the FFMI-SSF's relationship with psychopathy and the Five Factor Model personality traits.
- To compare the FFMI-SSF with established Dark Triad and psychopathy measures.
Main Methods:
- A large undergraduate sample (n=1004) completed the FFMI-SSF, measures of psychopathy, and the Five Factor Model traits.
- Psychometric properties of the FFMI-SSF were analyzed.
- Correlations between the FFMI-SSF and other measures were examined.
Main Results:
- The FFMI-SSF demonstrated good psychometric properties and construct validity.
- The FFMI-SSF showed distinctiveness from psychopathy, addressing criticisms of existing measures.
- Results supported the FFMI-SSF's utility in assessing Machiavellianism within the context of personality and the Dark Triad.
Conclusions:
- The FFMI-SSF is a valid and reliable alternative for measuring Machiavellianism.
- This shorter inventory facilitates research on Machiavellianism, particularly in relation to psychopathy and broader personality structures.
- The FFMI-SSF offers a practical tool for researchers investigating manipulative personality traits.
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