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.