Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by manipulativeness, deceitfulness, high levels of self-interest, and a tendency to see other people as means to an end. People who display especially elevated levels of Machiavellianism—referred to by some psychologists as “high-Machs”—lack empathy and take a cynical, unemotional view of the world; their primary interests center on power and s
What Is Machiavellianism? (Plain Language Explanation)
Machiavellianism refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Machiavellianism
- Symptoms: The specific ways machiavellianism shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen machiavellianism
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When machiavellianism occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Machiavellianism
- Machiavellianism is far more common than most people realize
- Machiavellianism is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with machiavellianism see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about machiavellianism is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing machiavellianism, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.