Machiavellianism, level of personality functioning, and maladaptive personality traits: mediation analyses in a clinical sample

IntroductionMachiavellianism was repeatedly found to be associated with personality dysfunction. The Alternative Model for Personality Disorders offers a dimensional approach to personality disorders including level of personality functioning and maladaptive personality traits. The aim of this study was to test mediation models wherein level of personality functioning was suggested to mediate the relationship between maladaptive personality traits and Machiavellian views and tactics.MethodUsing self-report measures, 341 mental health patients (Mage = 34.78 years; SDage = 10.99) of an inpatient psychotherapy ward participated in the study with various mental disorders. 200 patients identified as females, 94 as males, 1 as non-binary, 46 participants didn’t report their gender. Participation was anonymous and voluntary. All patients gave their informed consent.ResultsCorrelational analyses revealed that impairment in level of personality functioning and all maladaptive personality trait domains were positively associated with Machiavellian views and tactics (except for the nonsignificant association between Negative Affectivity and Machiavellian Tactics). According to results of mediational analyses, maladaptive personality traits of Detachment, Psychoticism, and Negative Affectivity were associated with Machiavellian views via indirect pathways through level of personality functioning, whereas Negative Affectivity and Antagonism were directly associated with Machiavellian tactics.DiscussionCorrelational results were in line with existing literature. Correlational results and mediation analyses supported the distinct characteristics of Machiavellian views and tactics. The results of this study could be conclusive both for clinical practice and a better understanding of the concept of Machiavellianism.