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 empa
The Spectrum of Machiavellianism
Machiavellianism exists on a spectrum from mild to severe and presents in different ways depending on individual circumstances, biology, and triggers.
Major Types of Machiavellianism
Mental health professionals distinguish between several key presentations of machiavellianism, each with distinct features, triggers, and optimal treatment approaches.
Acute vs. Chronic: Some people experience intense but brief episodes of machiavellianism; others have more persistent, lower-intensity patterns.
Primary vs. Secondary: Machiavellianism can be a primary condition or secondary to another mental health or medical issue.
Situational vs. Generalized: Machiavellianism may be triggered by specific circumstances or more pervasive across life domains.
Why the Type Matters for Treatment
Different presentations of machiavellianism often respond to different treatment approaches. Accurate assessment of which type you're experiencing guides better treatment decisions.