Below, mental health experts share how to spot and how to cope with the Machiavellian in your life. “Machiavellianism, while not an actual clinical term, is used to describe an individual with manipulative tendencies,” says therapist Anim Aweh, LCSW. According to Chaye McIntosh, M.S., LCADC, an addictions counselor and clinical director of outpatient services at ChoicePoint, Machiavellians are “deeply centered on cunningness, selfish behavior, manipulativeness, and indifference to morality.” She says that at their worst, Machiavellians are attracted to power, money, and control and would do anything to gain all three. The 1970 book Studies in Machiavellianism by psychologists Richard Christie and Florence Geis mainstreamed the term “Machiavellianism” in the field of psychology. According to Christie and Geis, Machiavellians do not form real bonds or true relationships with others, and they show a lack of concern for conventional morality. Yet, they typically show no signs of gross psychopathology or cognitive deficits. Over the decades, researchers have struggled to grasp a theoretical foothold on this trait. Machiavellianism is the only leg of the Dark Triad to be nonclinical, and some researchers have debated whether it is in reality just a less severe and subclinical manifestation of psychopathy. Christie and Geis also posited that Machiavellianism may not be a singular trait but several connected components, including interpersonally manipulative tactics and a cynical view of human nature. Among a myriad of individual characteristics, Machiavellians generally share the following behaviors and traits: It might be hard to believe that high and low Machs are actually along the same behavioral spectrum. Aweh says that “High Machs flourish in face-to-face settings, where there are limited rules and structure—also, when emotions hold little value in goal achievement. Low Machs are on the opposite side of the spectrum and are characterized as being highly submissive.” He notes that there is a genetic predisposition toward psychopathy3, but he adds that “a bad start in life can shape even a normal child’s personality in that direction. I think the same applies to Machiavellianism.” With this in mind, Machiavellianism can be seen as a maladaptive coping strategy that developed from living through experiences in which exhibiting such traits was key to survival. Although it doesn’t have to begin in childhood, many ingrained traumas do start there. Clinicians use a variation of the Christie and Geis test to assess Dark Triad characteristics in children (and anyone). While this might work for relationships you control, like friendships and dating, avoidance might not work in a workplace, for example. In such cases, Aweh advises establishing clear boundaries with a Machiavellian boss. “Also, document the times the boss may violate them. Your boss still has rules to abide by, and you deserve respect.” Lastly, the gaslighting and workplace bullying that arises may affect your overall performance and confidence, so it’s important to also prioritize your own healing. It may not be possible to change the culprit, but therapy can offer coping mechanisms, like setting boundaries and self-care. Aweh says that recovery often requires finding a safe space to process hurtful experiences and to explore trust-building with healthy boundaries. Most people likely have some degree of Machiavellian characteristics or may be considered low-Machs, which means we may have these tendencies but choose not to act on them—or when we do, we feel remorse. Other people may find themselves in difficult circumstances for prolonged periods, which might justify demonstrating Machiavellian tendencies to survive. The continued demonstration of those behaviors in situations that do not merit it, however, is typically when these traits are truly revealed as harmful rather than admirable. True Machiavellians (i.e., High Machs) need to seek therapy, even when they think they don’t need it. Depression or anxiety may lurk under the surface, as well as unresolved trauma from events that might have triggered the need for some of these behaviors in the first place. High Machs should listen to feedback and reactions from family members or co-workers, as they are most likely to express concern and demand corrective action. As with any situation of harm, if you find yourself on the wrong end of a Machiavellian, it is less important to diagnose the person who is demonstrating these behaviors. Instead, focus on the ways that you can protect your mental health for the duration of the relationship—and get out as soon as you can if necessary. Originally from New Jersey, she has lived in Spain, India, Mozambique, Angola, and South Africa. She speaks four languages (reads in three), but primarily publishes in English. Her writing placements range from popular trade magazines like Better Home & Gardens, Real Simple, and Whetstone to academic journals like Harvard’s Transition Magazine, the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy, and the Oxford Monitor.
