Machiavellianism and perceived family functioning in adolescence

The behavior, attitudes and social strategies associated with Machiavellian personality traits are well studied in psychology. Still, developmental origins of Machiavellianism have gained little attention so far, especially from a family system perspective. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between Machiavellianism and family functioning in adolescence. A sample (N = 366) of adolescents completed the Mach-IV and FACES IV. High-Mach and low-Mach individuals differed in their perception of family functioning. High-Machs perceived their families as more disengaged, more chaotic, less rigid, less cohesive, and less flexible. High-Machs also reported poorer family communication and less satisfaction with family life. Results are discussed mainly from the perspectives of attachment theory and early maladaptive schemas.