Machiavellianism: What it is, signs, and how to deal with it

Reviewed by Susan Radzilowski, MSW, LMSW, ACSW

Written by

therapist.com team

Last updated: 03/12/2025

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What is Machiavellianism? 

Machiavellianism isn’t a mental health disorder—it’s a personality trait.

People with Machiavellianism are manipulative and pursue their goals at all costs, not worrying about who they harm in the process. They can function as part of a team, but would be willing to use members of their team to achieve their own ends if the opportunity presented itself.

Where did Machiavellianism originate?

Machiavellian philosophy dates back to the sixteenth century. In his writings, the political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli described strategies rulers use to gain and keep power. He took the stance that rulers should follow any strategy necessary, even ones that are dishonest, brutal, or otherwise immoral.

At the time, the term “Machiavellian” was used to describe unscrupulous politicians. Centuries later, psychologists adopted the word to describe a personality trait characterized by manipulation, cynicism, and immorality.

Signs of Machiavellianism

A Machiavellian personality consists of a few specific traits, including:

• Manipulation: They use charm, guilt, flattery, and other tactics to get what they want. When positive strategies don’t work, they may resort to intimidation or other aggressive behaviors.
• Cynicism: Their main concern is their own interests, and they assume others are the same way.
• Amorality: They don’t worry about the ethics of cheating or lying, and they’re willing to exploit others.
• Self-centeredness: Their friendships, romantic relationships, or familial relationships may be strained because of their self-interest.

How is Machiavellianism measured?

Machiavellianism, like any personality trait, exists on a spectrum. Some people have a few Machiavellian traits, while others have many.

The Mach IV, a self-reported, 20-item test, measures Machiavellian traits by asking specific questions about your views and behaviors.¹ Anyone can take the test, which is usually available online. People who score higher than 60 are considered highly Machiavellian (called “high Machs”).

Machiavellianism examples

Machiavellian behaviors can manifest in various forms in everyday life, often involving manipulation and strategic behavior in social interactions. Here are some examples:

Workplace politics: An employee might use Machiavellian tactics to climb the corporate ladder. This could include taking credit for a colleague’s work, spreading rumors to undermine competitors, or trying to charm their superiors while discreetly sabotaging their peers.

Negotiation tactics: In a negotiation, a Machiavellian individual might misrepresent their position or intentions to gain an advantage, using deceit as a tool to secure a more favorable deal.

Academic settings: A student may manipulate others to do their work for them or form strategic friendships with teachers or peers.

Interpersonal relationships: A person may manipulate their partner’s emotions to maintain control in the relationship, such as by gaslighting them, or giving backhanded compliments to make their partner feel uncertain.

Selective association: A person may choose to associate with certain people based on their social status or influence, rather than how compatible they are. Their goal may be to elevate their own status, or to gain access to resources and opportunities.

Exploiting rules and loopholes: A person may look for and exploit loopholes in rules or systems for personal benefit, even if it means bending or breaking the rules in a way that harms others.

Not everyone who acts in these ways has a “high Mach” personality. These examples just show what Machiavellian traits could look like in everyday life.

What causes Machiavellianism?

Though it seems that genetics can contribute to the development of Machiavellian traits, the way a person is raised and the environment they grow up in likely play a more significant role.²

A lack of parental love, attention, or support, as well as harsh or rejecting treatment, can lead children to develop a negative worldview. They may struggle with trust issues and become overly self-protective. This could lead them to be more suspicious and manipulative in their relationships later in life.

The “dark triad”: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy

Machiavellianism is part of what’s known as the “dark triad” of personality traits. The other two traits are narcissism (an inflated sense of self) and subclinical psychopathy (a condition involving a lack of empathy). 

People who score highly on all three dark triad personality traits may be cold, calculating, self-centered, or deceptive. Their lack of empathy and callousness can make them difficult to have as friends, family, or coworkers. 

Machiavellianism vs. narcissism

Machiavellianism and narcissism share traits of self-centeredness and manipulation, but they differ in motivation and emotional engagement. Machiavellians are strategic, cold, and calculating, using manipulation for long-term gain. In contrast, narcissists are driven by a strong need for admiration and superiority, manipulating others to build their ego and maintain their self-image.

Machiavellianism vs. psychopathy

Machiavellianism and psychopathy both involve manipulation and disregard for morality. However, Machiavellianism is strategic, driven by cynicism and long-term planning. Psychopathy, on the other hand, is characterized by lack of empathy and overtly antisocial, risky behavior.

Machiavellianism in relationships

It’s difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with someone who will exploit and manipulate you if it helps them get what they want. People with high levels of Machiavellianism are more likely to be dissatisfied with their relationships and be controlling or emotionally abusive.³

Do Machiavellians have empathy?

People with high Machiavellian traits can have empathy, but they may not express or act upon it in the same way that others might. They may be skilled at reading emotional cues and social situations, which is a form of cognitive empathy (the ability to understand what another person is feeling).

They may, however, lack affective empathy, which is the ability to share and respond emotionally to another person’s feelings. This can result in behavior that appears cold, detached, or unsympathetic, as the Machiavellian individual may prioritize their own goals over the emotional well-being of others.

Do Machiavellians fall in love?

Machiavellians can experience romantic attraction and form attachments, including falling in love. However, they tend to view relationships as a means to an end, or struggle to prioritize their partner’s wants or needs.

Research shows that Machiavellians often have a dismissing-avoidant attachment style in their relationships generally.⁴ This means they tend to view others as unreliable, or assume that they have bad intentions. In their closest relationships, they also tend to feel a certain amount of attachment anxiety. They prefer to be independent and self-sufficient, potentially to the point of avoiding emotional closeness with others.

People with Machiavellian traits may still be able to have strong, long-lasting romantic and platonic relationships. But they might have to work hard to avoid manipulation or control, since those behaviors come naturally to them. They’d need to be open to difficult conversations, learn to take others’ perspectives, and work with a therapist to recognize harmful patterns in their thoughts and actions.

How to deal with someone with Machiavellian traits

Because one of the traits of Machiavellianism is manipulation, it’s important that you establish firm boundaries. This may help lower the likelihood that they can manipulate you. A therapist can help you find healthy and effective ways to do this.

Importantly, if a partner’s treatment of you has crossed the line into abuse, do not attend couples therapy with them. Seek individual treatment. If you need immediate assistance, you can get free, confidential help 24/7 by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Therapy for Machiavellianism

While someone with strong Machiavellian traits may resist mental health treatment, therapy can help. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach them how their behavior affects their loved ones and disrupt the patterns that cause distress.  

If you need help, browse our therapist directory to connect with a mental health professional in your area.