The Machiavellian Approach and Avoidance Questionnaire: Further Validation and Evidence of Cross-National Validity

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Personality Traits
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Debate exists regarding the appropriate measurement of Machiavellianism, an antagonistic personality trait.
• The Machiavellian Approach and Avoidance Questionnaire (MAAQ) was developed to differentiate motivational aspects of Machiavellianism.
• Machiavellian Approach involves strategic advantage-seeking, while Machiavellian Avoidance relates to loss prevention driven by misanthropy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the construct validity and nomological network of the MAAQ.
• To assess the differentiation of MAAQ facets from subclinical psychopathy.
• To examine the cross-national equivalence of the MAAQ.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted using German samples (Study 1: n=1,583) and cross-national samples from Germany, Canada, UK, and Serbia (Study 2: n=1,853).
• Confirmatory factor analysis and correlational analyses were used to examine trait relations and nomological networks.
• Partial scalar cross-national invariance was tested for the MAAQ.

Main Results:

• Study 1 confirmed expected relations between MAAQ facets and disagreeableness, dominance seeking, and mistrust.
• However, the nomological networks of Machiavellian Approach and subclinical psychopathy measures were nearly identical, indicating poor differentiation.
• Study 2 established partial scalar cross-national invariance for the MAAQ, but German participants showed distinct scores compared to other nations.

Conclusions:

• The MAAQ demonstrates cross-national equivalence, supporting its use across different cultural contexts.
• Despite cross-national support, the MAAQ's substantial overlap with subclinical psychopathy raises concerns about its construct validity.
• Further research is needed to refine the MAAQ or develop alternative measures that better distinguish Machiavellianism from related constructs.