Demonstrations of Machiavellianism in Interpersonal Interaction Among Young Students

Abstract

The article presents the results of the author's theoretical and empirical research on the problem of Machiavellianism. The meaning of the concept «Machiavellianism» has been revealed as a personality trait that has a strategy of interpersonal conduct whereby others are manipulated and deceived in the pursuit of one’s own interests even though such actions are lacking a moral code. Moreover, it is pointed out that Machiavellianism in psychology is also considered as a personality syndrome, a behavioural strategy, a type of social adjustment, a mechanism of psychological protection. It is noticed that a machiavellist’s psychological impact on other people is deliberate, intentional and purposeful.

The main markers of Machiavellianism in the motivational, cognitive, emotional and behavioral spheres of a personality have been determined. It is shown that people exhibiting high levels of Machiavellianism are characterized by interpersonal manipulation, such as the use of some well-tuned communication skills, pragmatism, affective coldness, cynical and traditionally amoral viewpoints adopted in order to promote their own goals/interests. People exhibiting low levels of Machiavellianism are characterized by tolerance towards others, empathy, helpfulness, kindness and ability to understand other people in social situations.

The empirical study was undertaken among the students. The results of the study highlighted that 68,3% of the respondents have high levels of Machiavellianism. It is defined that students quite often use different combinations of hidden and visible psychological influence in an interpersonal interaction such as manipulation, deceit, cynicism, flattery, ruthlessness, psychological abuse, destructive criticism, psychological coercion, divulgation intimate secrets to third parties and etc. Students often lack the capacity to recognize emotions and interests of others and they ignore conventional morality to gain personal rewards. Statistically significant relationships have been established between the level of Machiavellianism among the students and their predisposition to indirect aggression, their ability to enhance problem situations in relationships, ritualization of aggression in communication, pleasure from aggression and manipulation of others.

Personal and social consequences of manipulative student behavior have been studied. The findings underscore the importance of students' ability to determine the character of psychological influence while interacting with other people and also teaching students how to be assertive.