The relation between memories of childhood psychological maltreatment and Machiavellianism

• We investigated the link between childhood maltreatment and Machiavellianism.
• Neglect predicted all investigated aspects of Machiavellianism (general, tactics, views).
• Punishment marginally predicted Machiavellian interpersonal tactics.
• Results are discussed from moral developmental and alexithymia perspectives.

Machiavellianism is a hot topic in several branches of psychology. Using Life-History Theory several studies identified Machiavellianism as a fast life strategy. According to this idea, Machiavellianism should be related to childhood adversities. Using a sample of adults we investigated the relationship between Machiavellianism and self-reported memories of childhood psychological maltreatment. Participants (247 individuals, 141 female, 32.38 ± 5.43 years of age on average) completed the Mach-IV Scale and the Childhood Abuse and Trauma Scale. Results showed a relationship between neglect and Machiavellianism in general, Machiavellian tactics, and Machiavellian world view. There was also a marginally significant link between punishment and Machiavellian tactics. Results are discussed from a moral developmental perspective and through the alexithymia hypothesis of Machiavellianism.